16th February, 2023
Governor Godwin Obaseki has ordered the immediate arrest of Adams Oshiomhole.
The governor accused his predecessor of inciting a protest in Benin, Edo state, which resulted in the destruction of banks and the deaths of three people.
Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, disclosed the directive by the governor on Wednesday, alleging that the protests were a cover-up.
According to the statement signed by Nehikhare, Oshimohole, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), mobilized thugs who vandalized banks and disrupt the peace of the state over the naira scarcity.
The statement read, “We have been around the city all day, speaking with the protesters, and we discovered that it is more than meets the eye.
“At this stage, we call on security agencies to arrest Adams Oshiomhole for questioning and to account for his movement, especially here in Benin City in the last few days. He deliberately instigated the protest of the people.
“I know people will see the protest as a result of scarcity of naira notes, but even if that is the case, Nigerians should know which political party is involved, because it is ironic that the same party that is responsible for this policy is still sending people to destroy PDP billboards.”
In response, Oshiomhole’s spokesperson, Victor Oshioke, refuted the accusation, saying Oshiomhole is too busy campaigning for the APC presidential candidate and himself.
The former governor is the APC candidate for the Edo North Senatorial District in the February 25 election.
“Oshiomhole has no time to call for violence because the people of Edo love him. Obaseki and his people are rattled and nervous by the growing acceptance Oshiomhole gets anywhere he goes in the state”.
“They want to blackmail him because they saw his acceptance after nearly eight years in government against Obaseki’s government, which failed miserably.”
“People are happy with Oshiomhole because of his performance, which Obaseki can’t match, and they want to distract him,” he said.
According to him, Oshiomhole didn’t make any statement to suggest that anybody should riot against anybody, and he added that he is busy campaigning in Edo North for his senatorial ambition.
“If Oshiomhole could not incite people in past elections, why would he now instigate violence now that he is contesting and the people are with him? In Etsako where he is campaigning, there is no riot. And Obaseki is from Benin, so, he should check himself” he said.