Benin City – Tensions soared yesterday near the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as suspected armed thugs fired sporadically, causing panic among passersby and motorists. The unsettling gunshots prompted people to flee for safety as the situation unfolded in the vicinity of the tribunal in Benin City.
The incident occurred during the opening session of the tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, which is currently reviewing seven petitions contesting the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2024 Edo State governorship election.
In a video circulating online, an unidentified youth in a white face cap, T-shirt, and facemask was seen loading bullets into a pump-action rifle. He fired multiple shots into the air before swiftly escaping in a white Toyota Hilux.
The shooting incident has sparked a war of words between the APC and opposition parties, with both sides accusing each other of orchestrating the violence. APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe condemned the act, attributing it to supporters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He called the violence “deeply disturbing” and urged for swift justice, stressing that such actions undermine the legal process and endanger public safety.
“The Tribunal is a sacred space where justice is meant to be administered impartially. Violence has no place in a civilized society, and those responsible must be held accountable,” Tenebe asserted.
On the other hand, Tony Aziegbemi, acting Chairman of the PDP in Edo State, vehemently denied the allegations. He accused the APC of fabricating the story, suggesting that the ruling party was responsible for the violence by disguising their thugs in PDP-branded attire in a bid to tarnish the opposition’s image. He also criticized the police for not taking action against the shooter and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the individual.
The political storm comes as various opposition parties, including the PDP, Accord Party, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and others, challenge the results of the 2024 governorship election. The tribunal hearing resumed with the presentation of witnesses by the Accord Party, who are contesting the election’s validity.
The tribunal has adjourned the case to January 17, 2024, for further proceedings and pre-hearing meetings regarding the presentation of documents by the petitioners. Despite the escalating political drama, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate challenging Okpebholo’s victory, expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to ensure justice and restore his mandate.
The situation remains fluid, with both political camps urging law enforcement agencies to take decisive action as the tribunal hearings continue.
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