PDP, APC Trade Words As Gunshots Disrupt Edo Tribunal Hearing
The incident occurred during the hearing of a petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, against the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
According to eyewitnesses, a gunman in a PDP face cap was seen shooting sporadically into the air, causing pandemonium and disrupting the tribunal proceedings. The incident led to a stampede, with people running for cover and seeking safety.
The APC was quick to condemn the incident, with the party's spokesperson, Mr. John Mayaki, alleging that the PDP was behind the shooting. "This is a clear attempt by the PDP to intimidate and disrupt the tribunal proceedings," Mayaki said. "We condemn this act of violence and call on the security agencies to take immediate action to apprehend the perpetrators."
However, the PDP has denied any involvement in the incident, with the party's spokesperson, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, saying that the APC was trying to disguise their thugs in PDP-branded attire to mislead the public. "We are surprised that the police did not arrest the individual, whose face was clearly visible in the video," Nehikhare said. "This is a clear attempt by the APC to discredit the PDP and undermine the tribunal proceedings."
The PDP has called on the police to ensure that the gun-wielding thug is arrested and prosecuted, while the APC has condemned the act of violence and said it undermines the foundation of the legal system.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of the tribunal proceedings, with many calling on the security agencies to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Edo State Police Command has promised to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. "We are taking the incident very seriously and will do everything possible to ensure that those responsible are brought to book," said the state police commissioner, Mr. Abutu Yaro.
The tribunal hearing has been adjourned to a later date, with the parties involved awaiting the outcome of the investigation. The incident has highlighted the need for increased security measures to be put in place to ensure the safety and security of the tribunal proceedings.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of violence in politics, with many calling for an end to the use of thugs and violence to settle political scores. The PDP and APC have been urged to condemn the use of violence and work towards a peaceful resolution of the election petition.
https://www.channelstv.com/2025/01/15/pdp-apc-trade-words-as-gunshots-disrupt-edo-gov-tribunal/