Attack On Peter Obi Was 'Attempted Assassination, Political Genocide’ By Edo Government – ADC Chieftain Okonkwo

 

Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that the attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Edo State was an attempted assassination and a “genocide against political opponents”.

Okonkwo made the statements during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday, where he spoke about the circumstances surrounding the incident and his understanding of what transpired.

Explaining how he obtained information about the event, Okonkwo said he contacted ADC State Chairman and former Executive Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun for what he described as first-hand details.

He said: “Well, let me first of all say that I was in touch with His Excellency former Executive Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.

And he narrated to me what happened, because I wanted to have first-hand information as a lawyer. We call it direct evidence. And so it's no longer allegedly, it happened.”

He then stated his position on the nature of the attack. According to him: “The attack on Peter Obi in Edo State was an attempted assassination by the government or their agents.” 

Clarifying who he believed was responsible, he added: “This was an assassination attempt by people I can describe as either the governmental people or their agents.” 

Okonkwo also referred to remarks he attributed to the Edo State governor concerning Obi’s visit. He said: “And why did I say so? Governor of Edo State Monday Okpebholo had warned Peter Obi not to set foot in Edo State, and if he does without getting clearance, his security will not be guaranteed. I remember he was in your studio to warn, this is a threat to the life of the opposition leaders.”

Providing details about the planned event and individuals expected, he stated: “Today, we had wanted to welcome Olumide Apata, the former president of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), because it's an attack on NBA.”

Describing the convoy involved, Okonkwo said: “What they met was about a convoy of 10 vehicles with one pilot vehicle controlling them.”

He then narrated how events unfolded at the venue and afterwards. In his words: “They went first into the venue where the event took place and they heard people had left there because they heard that people were coming to attack them and they ran to Oyegun's house. The hoodlums chased them after shooting things in that venue. They chased them to Oyegun's house and blasted the gate and all the vehicles that were there.”

Restating his characterisation of the incident, Okonkwo said: “So this was an assassination attempt. This is genocide against political opponents. You know, this government. Well, genocide might be. This government has started trying to do genocide against political parties.”

He further linked the development to comments about the political system. He said: “You must have heard when they said that it's like we are tilting towards one party state. And this was orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that there is no other party. That is what genocide means, So having failed to genocide all the political parties because ADC from the kingdom of grace just emerged, their only choice now is to wipe out the opposition leaders and that is the next era they are going into.” 

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Edo State Police Command confirmed incidents of unrest that marred political activities of the ADC in Benin City on Tuesday, after suspected hoodlums allegedly infiltrated a party gathering and caused panic, leading to a stampede.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command said the disturbance occurred at about 1455hrs during a political programme at the ADC State Secretariat located at Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City.

According to the police, the incident happened shortly after the official conclusion of the event when most dignitaries had already departed the venue.

The command disclosed that the suspected hoodlums created commotion, chased members away, and vandalised items at the venue.

“The hoodlums were said to have caused commotion, chased members away and threw the furniture at the venue upside down,” ASP Ikoedem stated.

Police patrol teams were immediately deployed following a distress call, but the attackers reportedly fled upon sighting the operatives.

The Command clarified that no deaths were recorded during the incident. However, one woman sustained injuries during the stampede.