. To deepen investigation into deployment of thugs
.As Ilesha residents demand Fadahunsi’s prosecution over inciteful comments
Tunde Adeleke, Osogbo
The Benue State Police Command has arrested some people in connection with the blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, who disclosed this at a press conference held in Makurdi on Wednesday, did not give the number of those arrested.
According to the CP, the police officers deployed for the visit of the former governor of Anambra State acted in a professional and tactical manner to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
While stating that the tactical decision taken by the command should not be mistaken for inaction, the CP said that Obi was subsequently safely escorted back to the airport.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence.
“At that point, the Police took a professional and tactical decision to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. Mr. Obi was subsequently safely escorted back to the airport and departed the state peacefully.
“The Command has commenced intelligence-led operations to identify those responsible. Key arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident.”
The police boss, who said that the command remained a neutral and professional institution, added that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief.
“No individual or group has the right to unlawfully obstruct another person’s movement,” he said.
The command assured the public that all those found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation.
Meanwhile, concerned youths and residents of Ijesaland in Osun East Senatorial District have called for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over an alleged inciting statement linked to the recent Osun governorship election.
It would be recalled that Fadahunsi in viral video was allegedly heard saying, “kill any Accord member,” during a protest at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, he however, denied it.
The protesters made the demand during a peaceful procession in Ilesa, on Wednesday, following reports of pre- and post-election violence in parts of Ijesaland.
The protesters who were carrying placards and banners thronged the streets of Ilesa as they converged at Enuwa roundabout, march through Isokun, Market Square and terminated the procession at gate of Owa-Obokun palace.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, the Chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, Akinbode Olakolupo accused the senator, who represents Osun East in the National Assembly, of making a statement they alleged could inflame tensions and threaten the peace of the region.
He said, “We call for investigation of all credible allegations against him, with the law taking its course if wrongdoing is established.
“We demand a transparent, impartial and credible investigation into all credible allegations of incitement, threats, killings and political violence connected to the electoral process by Senator Fadahunsi.
“We urge the police and security operatives to put radical efforts together to recover illegal firearms from political thugs and criminals.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Comrade Olorunfemi Olatunji explained that they decided to embark on the protest because of the quality of representation by Senator Fadahunsi.
He noted, “We, under the aegis of the Coalition of Youth and Students with Concerned Citizens of Osun East Senatorial District, are opposed to the reckless statement made by our Senator before the election.
“This protest is the first stage of our actions. We are recalling him back home, We are still going to Abuja. All the necessary lawful actions to recall him have been put together, which we will start in a few days. We have filed the petition and we are following it with action that his recall process will follow.”
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