Ighodalo Condemns Shooting Incident At Edo Tribunal
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has condemned the shooting incident outside the Election Petition Tribunal hearing venue for the September 2024 poll. The chaos erupted just before the tribunal session commenced when a masked individual, reportedly disguised as a PDP supporter, opened fire, causing panic. The gunman fled but was captured in widely circulated social media footage. Speaking on the incident, Ighodalo stated, “These acts of violence and harassment are deliberate distractions meant to make us take our eyes off the ball. “We strongly believe that the judiciary will do the right thing, and we’re looking forward to the outcome of the tribunal. “Our focus remains reclaiming our mandate and working positively for the good people of Edo State. We will take poverty out of our land, eliminate fear and intimidation, and unlock the great potential of this state.” Ighodalo also praised Edo citizens for their support since the election. READ ALSO:
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“I want to thank the good people of Edo State for coming out in massive numbers to vote for us on September 21 and for keeping faith through the difficulties. “They’ve stayed calm in the face of intimidation and harassment, living on the strong hope that our efforts to reclaim our mandate will be successful. “There are many distractions being thrown our way, but we will not be deterred. Our goal remains ensuring that we go through this tribunal process and hopefully emerge with the mandate the people of Edo State gave my deputy Osarodion Ogie and myself. “We will take Edo State to the next level. By God’s grace, we will remove poverty, eliminate intimidation, and make our people happy.” “We urge our people to stay strong and prayerful. By the grace of God, we will reclaim our mandate and deliver the change that Edo State deserves.” However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, alleged that PDP supporters were responsible for the violence. He said, “Today’s shooting incident within the venue of the Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin City involving members of the opposition PDP is a deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence. “The Tribunal is a sacred space where justice is meant to be administered impartially. Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved. “Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable. We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms. “Violence has no place in a civilized society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.” The incident followed heightened tensions after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided a Benin hotel where PDP witnesses were reportedly staying. The EFCC confirmed the raid but denied political motives. Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Edo Caretaker Committee, accused the APC of using intimidation tactics. “The APC is deploying thugs disguised in PDP attire and using state agencies like the EFCC to disrupt our case at the tribunal. This level of desperation is unacceptable.” “We anticipated APC’s plans to instigate chaos, but we never imagined they’d go as far as employing a masked gunman and raiding hotels where witnesses were lodged. “The APC must be held accountable for this brazen lawlessness.” The APC has denied all allegations.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
