The PDP National Vice Chairman, South South, Chief Dan Orbih has expressed his displeasure over a trending video where it was alleged that a faction of the party loyal to the state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki in Ikpeshi, Akoko Edo local government, unleashed terror on those said to be his (Dan Orbih) faction.
In the viral video, an old man and some youths were made to sit on the floor and manhandled by youths alleged to be Governor Obaseki’s loyalists
Chief Orbih in a statement, he sgned and made available to journalists in Benin said.
“Painfully, my attention has been drawn to a social media video of a wicked and shameful attack by some politically patronised youths who unleashed unwarranted terror on unsuspecting Party leaders and members in Ikpeshi, Akoko-Edo LGA, brandishing machetes and other dangerous weapons.
“I condemn this barbaric savagery in very strong terms, and I urge the security agents to thoroughly investigate the criminal act, fish out the perpetrators as well as those who might have remotely or closely aided their actions, and make them face the full consequences of their debasing actions.
“This will act as a deterrent for others who wish to take laws into their hands.
“Members of PDP in Akoko-Edo LGA should remain calm and go about their robust political engagements as no stone will be left unturned to apprehend the perpetrators and to face the full wrath of the law.
“I urge our party members to continue to engage in peaceful and constructive political activities in linewith our party’s constitution.”
Also, reacting the Edo state chairman of the PDP, Dr Tony Aziegbemi in a press statement he signed and made available to journalists in Benin,said.
“The Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State condemns in very strong terms the content of the video that has gone viral in the social media where some youths were seen attacking, assaulting and violently debasing some party members. This was particularly more painful to watch as the Vice Chairman of ward 8, Akoko-Edo local government, Pa Samuel Dania, an elder was a victim of this callous act of brigandry.
“The assault was unwarranted, unacceptable, condemnable and the party calls on the security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of this senseless crime.
“Edo PDP is known as a peaceful, united and vibrant political party where dialogue is our watchword. We encourage political engagements and contestations which must be guided by the tenets of our constitution. While we encourage our members to exercise their democratic right of free speech, respect, restraint and decorum should be their watchword.
“No political party, especially not PDP, will be at ease seeing the said video. It pricks at the sensibilities of all of us and we must all condemn it.
“We urge our party members to remain calm as we call on the police to ensure speedy investigation and possible prosecution of all those involved in this heinous crime.
“We are PDP, this does not depict our PDP.”
