Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate Monday Okpebholo have been accused of contributing to the tragic murder of Inspector Akor Onu, a police orderly allegedly killed by political thugs last week. This accusation came shortly after Inspector Onu left the Benin airport, where he had accompanied Senator Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Shaibu from Abuja.
A pro-democracy group, Movement for Democracy, conveyed its condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, and the deceased officer’s family. In a statement signed by its convener Osaze Samuel, the group condemned the actions of the APC candidate, attributing the loss to political misconduct.
“This loss, a direct consequence of the political misconduct of APC candidate Monday Okpebholo, is a testament to the grave consequences of political recklessness introduced by the senator,” the statement read. The group emphasized the disheartening nature of the incident, criticizing the political recklessness and ignorance that led to the innocent officer’s death.
The Movement for Democracy further criticized the public demonstration at the airport, noting that the court’s judgment in favor of the former deputy governor should have remained a legal matter, not a political spectacle. “Rather than respecting the security advice provided by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, and opting for a more discreet approach, the APC candidate chose to lead a public procession,” the group noted.
The statement also highlighted the collaboration between Okpebholo and Shaibu, accusing both politicians of prioritizing personal and political gain over public safety. “This act of defiance, in collaboration with Phillip Shaibu—known for his violent tendencies and disregard for authority—demonstrates a reckless pursuit of personal and political gain at the expense of public safety.”
The Movement for Democracy praised the Nigerian Bar Association and Edo State citizens for condemning the behavior and called for accountability. “It is imperative that the APC candidate be held accountable for the actions that led to this officer’s death. He must be called upon to explain his role in this tragic incident and to account for his blatant disregard for security protocols.”
In conclusion, the group urged Edo State citizens to reject the APC and its candidate, asserting that their actions were intended to exploit the situation for political gain. “The people of Edo State have shown through their reactions that they will not be swayed by such deceitful tactics,” the group said.