By Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY – THE Deputy Governor of Edo State Engr Marvellous Omobayo, has condemned in strong terms the allegation by the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) that he instigated the violence that erupted during its recent campaigns at Ososo and lgarra in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state that resulted in injuries.
The deputy governor was reacting to a statement by the APC Campaign Council that himself and the chairman of the council orchestrated the attacks and should be arrested.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Victor Adefemi said it was ridiculous for the APC to link Omobayo to the violence when on the same day he was in Edo Central campaigning for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
He said the deputy governor is not a violent man and has never been associated with violence which he said led to his elevation to the number two citizen of the state.
According to him “For the records, His Excellency , Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, was with PDP campaign train in Edo Central Senatorial District, precisely in Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West and Irrua, the administrative headquarters of Esan Central on the said day.
“Therefore, it was not possible for him to orchestrate or sponsor violence in Akoko-Edo when he was pre-occupied and engrossed in campaigns for PDP in Edo Central Senatorial District.
“We implore leaders and members of APC to look inwards, rather than pointing accusing fingers to the wrong direction(s).
“It is sad that some members of APC who have a penchant for violence are trying to rehearse their evil plot to disrupt peaceful election in the local government area as a result of their ever-waning popularity.
High Chief Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, the Okpogbogbonase Gbarada 1 is not responsible for the high cost of living and widespread poverty with its attendant virulent inflation in the land as well as insecurity in the country, synonymous with APC, thereby rendering the party and its members unpopular in this election.
“It is good for leadership and members of APC to understand that supporters of Chief Marvellous Omobayo and PDP will not fold their hands to watch self-centred politicians unleash mayhem on the people in upcoming September 21 governorship election in the state, like they did during February 25 Presidential and National Assembly Election, when His Excellency, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, was coasting home to victory in the House of Representatives Election.
“APC should understand that the people of Akoko-Edo are more than ready to protect their votes against political thugs, His Excellency often refers to as political buccaneers.
“It is clear that everything is against the APC and its candidate in this election, but that is not enough for APC to resort to violence to cause mayhem, agony and pains among the people of Akoko-Edo and by extension, the state, all in a bid to manipulate the will of the people.”
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