BY DAVID EMYA
Edo State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in very strong terms what it called the hijack, harassment and molestation of youths who were participating in an otherwise peaceful protest in Benin City by thugs allegedly loyal to APC factional Edo Peoples Movement (EPM).
The State ruling party pledged support for the protest, noting: “We were bewildered to hear that the moribund EPM faction of the APC allegedly unleashed its thugs on Edo youths, intimidating, brutalizing and wounding many in the Kings Square area of Benin City as revenge for their rejection during the gubernatorial polls that took place on September 19, 2020.”
Their behavior is even more vexatious especially when it is juxtaposed against the reason for the protest. Their ignorance is frightening and should be an embarrassment to their sponsors, the PDP said in statement issued in Benin today by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare.
“We call on the police authorities to fish out the thugs responsible for this dastardly act and urge the Police to provide security for the protesters at all times. Anything short of this will amount to enabling these undesirable elements.
“For the record, we welcome the dissolution of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the police and support the call for immediate steps to completely overhaul and restructure the entire police architecture to engender professionalism, adherence to rule of law and respect for the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
“We must also say we are very proud of the way Edo youths have comported themselves as they make these demands that will be of enormous benefit to all Nigerians now and in the future.”
