The Edo State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Wednesday, accused the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, for being the brain behind the violent protests in the state.
Edo State commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare made the allegation while briefing newsmen on the violent protests that have erupted in the state over the cash crunch across the country.
Chris Osa said Oshiomhole through his recent comments instigated the people of the state to take up arms with the view of causing unrest that could lead to the postponement of the forthcoming general elections in the country because his party is losing.
“We have been around the city all day and we have been speaking with some protesters and we have done our own serious and thorough investigations. Unfortunately, we discovered that there is more than meets the eyes.
“At this junction, I will like to call on the security agencies to call former governor Adams Oshiomhole for questioning. He should be arrested and also made to account for his movements in the last few days especially here in Benin City.
“Oshiomhole deliberately instigated the protest by the people and I am sure you are all aware that in a few days, a video was already shut off and before they shut that video off, Oshiomhole was speaking, he was instigating the people to go on rampage to intimidate people in Benin City and go about destroying government property.
“He said he wanted to create panic in our city because his party is about to lose the forthcoming general elections”, Nehikhare alleged.
Nehikhare said that it is ironical for Oshiomhole to be fanning the ember of crisis in the state when his party is in power at the center.
“I know people are thinking that today’s protests is as a result of the scarcity of the naira notes but if that is the case, all Nigerians should know which political party, because it is ironic that the political party that is responsible for this policy is the same party that is now sending people to go and destroy PDP bill boards on the streets,” Nehikhare said.
Special Adviser on media projects to the governor, Crusoe Osagie called on the people of the state to remain calm as the state government is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria to make money available in banks and various outlets.
He called on them to use their PVCs to vote out the party that has brought them the hardship that there are facing currently.
Reacting to the allegation, media aide to Adams Oshiomhole, Victor Oshoke said Oshiomhole is busy campaigning for the APC presidential candidate and his senatorial ticket and did not instigate anybody to riot.
“Oshiomhole didn’t made any statement to suggest that anybody should riot against anybody. He is busy campaigning to Edo North people for his senatorial ambition and for Tinubu’s presidential race.
“He has no time to call for violence because the people love him. Edo State government is rattled and nervous by the acceptance Oshiomhole gets anywhere he goes to in Edo State.
“They want to blackmail him because they have seen his acceptance after almost eight years in government against Obaseki’s government who has failed woefully in education, road, agriculture and other aspects of economy
“The people are happy because of Oshiomhole’s performance Obaseki can’t match and they want to distract him. If Oshiomole could not instigate people in past elections, why would he now instigate violence now that he is contesting and the people are with him? Oshiomhole is in Etsako campaigning; there is no riot, so Obaseki is from Benin and he should check himself”, Oshoke said.
