…plans to restrict their movements
Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the
alarm on the move by the Presidency to place its leaders under security
watch.
The party said the move was to prevent its leaders from moving out of
their homes after 10 o’clock tonight to embark on last minutes’
mobilisation of electorate for Wednesday’s governorship election.
Top on the list of those who have been purportedly watch-listed are former
chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, former
minister of foreign affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, business mogul, Chief
Gabriel Igbinedion, governorship candidate of the pay, Pastor Osagie
Ize-Iyamu and state chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, among others.
A statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Chris
Nehikhare reads: “We have just received credible information from our very
reliable inside source that the Presidency has perfected a scheme to plant
men of the Department of State Services around the residences of some
prominent PDP leaders across Edo State.
“The purpose of this is to prevent them from moving out of their homes
after 10 o’clock tonight.
“The list includes the former PDP BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief
Gabriel Igbinedion, Chief Tom Ikimi, the State Chairman, Chief Dan Osi
Orbih, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu as well as the 3 senatorial vice chairmen.
The list includes notable PDP stalwarts.
“It will be recalled that a few days ago, the APC had written a letter to
INEC, with a long list of PDP members across the state who they accused of
obtaining free movement tags to be used on election day.
“The PDP leadership in Edo state has described this allegation as baseless
and wishes to inform Nigerians and Edo people that all relevant tags which
are obtained lawfully, from INEC, are the only tags which have been
provided to members.
“The same tags were also provided for APC members. Any illegal attempt to
restrict the movement of our members and leaders will be met with strong
protests as freedom of movement is a fundamental right as enshrined in our
constitution.
“Finally, we also use this medium to alert Nigerians and the international
community on the nefarious activities of Oshiomole’s arrests and
intimidation of our members in Edo north, especially in neighbouring towns
and villages to his Iyamo hometown.
“The election of a governor for Edo state must be conducted according to
the electoral laws of Nigeria.
“Any plan by the APC controlled Federal government to subvert the will of
Edo people, will either lead to an unprecedented outcome or an
uncontrollable resistance.”