UPDATED: Edo APC lambast Obaseki over abduction of PDP State Chairman
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at Governor Godwin Obaseki for the alleged kidnap of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Tony Aziegbemi, attributing the ‘development to the lack of strong and well-oiled security architecture in the state.’
A statement signed by the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe and made available to Westernpost said the party is shocked by this latest incident of kidnapping, resulting from a weak and ineffective security framework currently prevailing in Edo State.
The statement reads, “The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (.APC) received the news of the kidnap of the State Chairman of PDP, Dr. Tony Azegbemwin with rude shock and has profoundly condemned same, attributing this ugly development to the lack of strong and well-oiled security architecture in the state.”
According to the APC, the kidnapping is one kidnapping too many for the State and it is a clear warning to Governor Obaseki’s administration that maintaining the State’s security which is the main duty of the state, is not going well.
The APC added that despite the enormous security vote that Governor Obaseki collects every month, the fact that the party chairman of a sitting governor can be abducted is evidence of the state’s extremely weak, underfunded, and unmotivated security apparatus.
“This kidnap is one kidnap too many in the State which signposts an overt reminder and wake-up call to Governor Obaseki-led administration in the state that all is not well, in terms of securing the State which is the primary responsibility of government.
“That the chairman of the party of a sitting governor can be kidnapped, is a testament to the very porous, ill-equipped, ill-motivated security machinery in the state despite the humongous security vote being collected by Governor Obaseki monthly.
The Edo State APC therefore, demands that the kidnappers immediately and unconditionally release the PDP chairman. It also urged the state’s security agencies to do everything possible to guarantee his safe return.
The chairman was reportedly abducted at about 7 pm on Friday as he was about to enter his house shortly after a meeting with Governor Godwin Obaseki in Benin City.
Media reports indicate that the PDP chairman was kidnapped at the entrance of his house along Country Home Hotel Road, Benin City.
According to reports, as the driver was about to enter the compound, the kidnappers blocked the jeep and took Dr. Tony Aziegbemi away, leaving the driver.
