Edo PDP briefed NUJ on its mission before embarking on the protest march to the state command where it had a meeting with the deputy commissioner(Operations) of police, DC Olatunji Ayodele.
Present at the protest were the state secretary, Chief Omi Imoisili, Chris Osa Nehikhare, State Publicity Secretary, State youth leader, Arc Thaddeus Irabor, LGA party chairmen of Orhionmwon, Ikpoba Okha, Egor, Uhunwonde and Ovia North East. Also present was the South south zone financial secretary, Hon Levi Aigbogun and Hon Larry Ogieva, Ex-Officio member of NEC, Hon Victor Ebomwonyi and many leaders and stakeholders.
Below is the letter delivered to the State Commissioner of Police by Edo PDP.
12th July 2018
The Nigeria Police Force
Edo State Command
Benin City
Edo State
ATTN:COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (MR. KOKUMO)
Dear Sir
RE: A LETTER OF PROTEST AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY METED OUT TO EKITI STATE GOVERNOR, HE. PETER FAYOSE.
The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party hereby submits this protest letter to condemn the unacceptable Police brutality on the Governor of Ekiti State. We make bold to state that the Police as an institution must not join the political fray and allow itself to be used against the people. They must maintain neutrality in the discharge of their duties. In the face of security challenges by Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram and the rising cases of armed robberies, the Inspector General of Police should not waste his efforts in the political arena wanting to please those in government but face the challenges facing us. We demand explanation for the unwarranted Ekiti show of shame when uniformed Police men unleashed brutal force on:
a. The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, HE Peter Ayodele Fayose, and his Deputy, HE (Prof) Olusola Eleka, tear-gassed and manhandled by men of the Ekiti State Police Command, in the premises of the Ekiti State Government House, as they prepared to attend a state rally right outside the government house.
b. The Ekiti State Command infringed on the rights of Ekiti State PDP Chapter members by forcefully and abruptly dispersing a major rally which was scheduled to take place in the morning.
c. The show of force and intimidation of our teeming supporters and voters is totally unacceptable in our present democracy. This was manifest in the barrage of gunshots unleashed on our party members and supporters in an effort to disperse them from the huge gathering. These are not acceptable in a democracy and as a progressive political party, it is totally unacceptable to us.
Edo PDP is dismayed and condemn in very strong terms this development and hostility the police is displaying towards our party, PDP and its membership. However, painful as it is, we won’t be deterred! Our commitment to Nigeria and her people is unbreakable and unshakable. We will always put Nigerians first even in the face of tyranny, intimidation and disdain for opposition as exhibited by Ekiti police command and by extension, the Nigerian Police.
We expect a peaceful, transparent and fair polls in Ekiti as anything short of that will be unacceptable and definitely resisted.
Using chains to shackle opposition is no longer in vogue!
Signed
Chris Osa Nehikhare
Publicity Secretary
PDP Edo State.
