The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State on Friday in Benin said that the party had no hand in the attack that led to the death of a police officer attached to the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred on Thursday, when Okpebholo and the reinstated deputy governor of the state, Mr Philip Shaibu, arrived Benin airport from Abuja
Briefing newsmen in Benin, a chieftain of PDP, Dr Tony Aziegbemi described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.
Aziegbemi called on the Inspector General of Police to do a post-mortem investigation on the late police officer to determine the cause of death.
” We want to state that the PDP is a very peaceful and law abiding party that would never kill anyone.
” We are a party whose leadership is only interested in development, institutional reforms, among others.
“So we want the IGP to carry out investigation to know how he was shot and the bullet that was used.
“PDP has expressed shock over the wanton destruction of property and the death of a police officer as a result of the violence orchestrated by thugs of the opposition party
“The incidence that happened yesterday at the Benin Airport was unfortunate and unacceptable. It shows how desperate the opposition are in their bid to foist their candidate on Edo people.
” It is quite disheartening that an innocent Police officer lost his life due to the violence unleashed on innocent citizens
” The PDP expresses deep sorrow over the death of this gallant officer. We commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray that our good Lord grants him eternal rest.
“It is common knowledge that when a court of first instance gives a judgment, once there is a notice of appeal and an appeal for a stay of execution, the parties are expected to maintain the status quo.
He urged Shaibu to wait for the outcome of the judgements of the Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court, ” Aziegbemi said.
According to him, In whose interest is it to cause any mayhem in Edo a few months to an election that the PDP is 100 per cent sure of winning.
He stated that PDP could not work against its interest, adding that the opposition party planned to cause maximum fear in our people before the election.
He, therefore, called for a thorough investigation of the incident, carry out an autopsy on the officer and make its finding public.
