Edo Governorship: Wike held hostage by 300 policemen

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, has raised alarm that the state Governor, Nyesom Wike, who is the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election, has been held hostage by security operatives. Desmond Akawor, the PDP Chairman in Rivers State wrote: The Hotel where the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike is lodging while on official assignment in Benin, Edo State has been held siege by over 300 Police men.

Recall that Governor Wike was appointed Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election; this is same position Governor Ganduje of Kano State occupies for his party the APC. Governor Ganduje and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State are all in Benin, Edo State carrying out their assignment for the APC without any molestation or intimidation. And in a breach of the pledge they made security agencies have decided to harass and intimidate Governor Wike who has not done any wrong. Rivers People Warn that we Shall hold the IGP responsible for anything that happens to our Governor. Signed: Ambassador Akawor Desmond, Chairman PDP Rivers State https://twitter.com/GovWike/status/1307024982564888578?s=19

While the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, addressing newsmen in Abuja, said that police have surrounded the Westend Hotel occupied by the PDP governors. Secondus called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, to order his men to vacate the hotel immediately. He added that the governors lives are in danger, noting that the APC governors, who are also in Benin are not harassed. Secondus alleged that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege are presently in the home of former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole.

He said: “The Policemen have surrounded the hotel and their lives are in danger. We call on IGP to ask the police to leave the place because their lives are in danger. “If APC governors are in Benin, the PDP governors should be in Benin. Our governors would remain in Benin, no one can intimidate us. “We are bringing this to the attention of the international community. Elections must be free and fair. Elections must be allowed to hold. You cannot allow APC governors in Edo and bar PDP governors.”

At the time of filling this report, Africa Update is uncertain if Wike and others have regained their freedom. Update on this will be published as they break.