…Oshiomhole blames Dep. Gov’s“thugs” for attack, apologises
In a simmering rage, supporters of National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, on Saturday launched a reprisal on the convoy of Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Apart from Obaseki, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu got what he did not bargain for as he received a dose of attack at Iyamoh, the country home of Oshiomhole.
The governor and Akiolu as well as the Pro-Chancellor of Edo University, Iyahmo, Prof. T.O.K Audu, were in a motorcade on their way to Oshiomole’s house for reception after they had attended the maiden convocation of the Edo University, Iyahmo, at the invitation of the APC National Chairman.
As soon as the “youths’’ allegedly sighted the man alleged to have led the attack on Oshiomole’s home in Benin recently, Andrew Momodu, they unleashed violence on the dignitaries including the traditional ruler, a source said.
“The governor, the Oba of Lagos and other guests had gone to Oshiomhole’s house for lunch when they were attacked by thugs led by one Romeo, said to be one of Oshiomhole’s cousins,’’ the source was quoted as saying.
But for the quick response of the governor’s security aides, the incident would have degenerated into bloodshed.
Within some minutes, several vehicles were vandalized by the “youths’’.
Meanwhile, Gov. Obaseki has condemned in strong terms the attack on him and other dignitaries.
“It is shameful for such an attack to have taken place at the residence of the National Chairman of the ruling party in the state and at the national level.
“It is very unfortunate that we can’t feel safe in the house of our National Chairman. I am not sure that if I visit the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party that they will attack me the way they did in the house of the APC National Chairman.
“It is unfortunate that things have degenerated to this extent. But we will continue to sue for peace. We cannot afford to lose the gains of the last three years. We will continue to pursue peace,” an embarrassed Governor Obaseki said.
It will be recalled that some people had in September reportedly attacked Oshiomhole’s house in Benin City with some suspects currently being quizzed at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.
There has been no love lost between the governor and his erstwhile boss, Oshiomhole, since the campaign for a second term by Obaseki began resulting in diatribe.
Reacting, Oshiomhole, offered an unreserved apology to Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Governor Godwin Obaseki and Chancellor of the Edo University, Iyahmo, Dr. Makanjuola over the attack on their convoy at his country home.
Oshiomhole blamed the attack on the “thugs who invaded the university community on the orders of the Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Philip Shaibu’’.
He said the tension in the community started last Friday when Shaibu imported thugs into the community with a view to intimidate political opponents.
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