Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has ordered the arrest of his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, over his alleged involvement in a protest that led to the destruction of banks and the death of three individuals in the state.
The statement by the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, revealed that Governor Obaseki accused Oshiomhole of mobilizing thugs to vandalize banks and disrupt the peace of the state over the scarcity of naira notes, News About Nigeria reports.
The protests, which were initially perceived as a result of naira scarcity, took a violent turn, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties. Obaseki has called on security agencies to investigate the incident and arrest Adams Oshiomhole for questioning.
According to the statement released by the Commissioner, Governor Obaseki has been around the city all day speaking with protesters and uncovered that there may be more to the situation than initially meets the eye. While it may seem that the protests are simply a result of the scarcity of naira notes, Obaseki alleges that there is a political angle to the situation, with the same party responsible for the policy behind the scarcity sending people to destroy People Democratic Party billboards.
The call for the arrest of Oshiomhole has generated mixed reactions, with some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing the Governor of playing politics with the situation. However, the Governor maintains that he has a duty to protect the lives and properties of citizens in the state and will do all within his power to ensure that those responsible for the unrest are brought to book.
The situation in Edo State highlights the need for political leaders to prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens over their personal interests. The arrest of Oshiomhole will not only serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to incite violence but will also send a strong message to citizens that the government is committed to ensuring their safety and security.
