Shaibu petitions DSS, seeks arrest of Oshiomhole

Philip Shaibu, deputy governor of Edo state, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), seeking the arrest of Adams Oshiomhole, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC),  over violence in the buildup to the September 19 governorship election.

Shaibu, who is the running mate of Godwin Obaseki, the governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, blamed Oshiomhole for the violence at a campaign rally in Ikhin, Owan east local government area of the state.

Briefing journalists in Benin City, the state capital, shortly after submitting the petition, Shaibu urged security agencies to take action and bring the duo to book, so that the state can have peace..

The deputy governor alleged that Oshiomhole is plotting to set the state ablaze in connivance with his party’s gubernatorial candidate.

“I have to cry out because I know both of them very well, even in the dark; I can clearly identify their hands. I am concerned because if not checked, it portends grave danger for our state, before, during and after the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election,” he said.

“I believe you are all aware of the recent killings in their camp, where five members were mauled down in Ikhin, Owan West Local Government Area of the state.

“On Friday, August 14, 2020, the youths gathered in Ikhin to share money after their poorly organised rally in Afuze. A disagreement within them led to the shooting that resulted in the death of five youths. The question here is, who armed the youths to kill themselves?

“I don’t believe we should shed blood of these innocent youths because of our personal ambition. I am not just raising false alarm; I know both of them very well like the back of my palm.

“The recent allegation against me that I was planning to attack my own convoy is the handiwork of this old man, using one Osa and Odion Idahosa under the guise of a faceless group. These guys have to be arrested and prosecuted. I want to urge the security agencies to take action now and bring them to book so that Edo can have peace, otherwise, their desperation and thirst for power portends bad omen for our dear state.”