15 hours Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Protesters storm Edo Assembly over suspended LG chairmen The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, decried the incessant killings of innocent people in the past two weeks across the state, blaming it on the state government’s failure to protect lives and properties. The opposition party also hailed the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, for raising the alarm over the incessant killings across the state during plenary in Abuja. The Edo PDP noted that there is worsening insecurity from Edo South to Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, with killings and violent attacks becoming increasingly rampant.
Briefing newsmen in Benin, Edo State Chairman of the PDP, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, said the Okpebholo-led government had failed woefully in the protection of life and property of citizens, which, according to him, is the primary responsibility of any government. He said that in the past two weeks, at least 35 innocent Edo citizens have been brutally killed just as he appreciated the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate, Adams Oshiomhole, for corroborating the party’s position over the worsening insecurity in the state. Azeigbemi said: “Oshiomhole even acknowledged that the people of Edo State are under siege.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of life and property of citizens, and in this regard, we can categorically say that the Okpebholo government has failed woefully.” Aziegbemi noted that the state, which was repositioned as one of Nigeria’s safest places to live and do business during the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, has now become so unsafe, gaining a notorious reputation as the capital of kidnapping and violent crimes. Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, said the PDP’s fabricated outrage over recent security incidents in Ovia and Okpekpe is laughable.
He said the PDP ignored insecurity for eight years, while Okpebholo has already taken decisive actions, equipping security agencies and restructuring the Edo Security Network. MEANWHILE, hundreds of youths under the auspices of Concerned Edo Youths, yesterday, almost a month after their initial two-month suspension expired, stormed the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) protesting the continued suspension of the 18 local council chairmen and their deputies. Recall that on December 17, the chairmen were suspended from office following a letter of request from the governor over their failure to present their statement of account dating back to September 2024.
The protesters said their continued absence has led to the perpetuation of illegality, panic and violence in the councils. The Coordinator of the group, Joseph Gbale, said despite the over two months of the suspension, the Speaker and the lawmakers owe the Edo people an explanation on why they have kept the people in the dark..
