The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State said on Wednesday it had uncovered a planned protests across the state to destabilise Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
The APC Chairman in the state, Jarrett Tenebe, in a statement in Benin City alleged that the protests were being orchestrated by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
He said: “We have observed a pattern of misinformation and falsehoods leading up to these planned protests.
“Their real goal is to create tension, sow discord, and undermine the progress made under Gov. Monday Okpebholo.”
The APC chairman, who reaffirmed Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to the citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, warned that any attempt to disrupt the state’s peace and stability would not be tolerated.
He said that law enforcement agencies had been placed on alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“We will not allow any individual or group to derail the progress of Edo State,” Tenebe said.
He urged the people of Edo to be vigilant and avoid being used as pawns in politically motivated protests.
In his reaction, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Chris Nehikhare, challenged the APC to differentiate itself from the government.
Nehikhare said the APC lacks the authority to issue security alerts, unless the government had officially transferred its security responsibilities to the party.
“We are, however, not surprised by this development, as Edo State is currently under siege.
“The government has provided no clues or indications that it can address the state of insecurity it has imposed on Edo State.
“Unfortunately, in Edo, we have a case of a butterfly that thinks of itself as a bird,” Nehikhare stated.