The Edo State government yesterday alerted to threats on the life of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
The government said an unidentified aircraft overflew the governor’s country home in Iyamoh, Auchi, for several minutes in low altitude on Monday evening.
The state government wondered what could have warranted an aerial surveillance days after troops were reportedly stationed around Oshiomhole’s private residence.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, warned that President Goodluck Jonathan, as the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would bear responsibility for any harm that befalls the governor.
“Even as peace-loving Nigerians are still rejoicing and the international community happy over the relative peace witnessed nationwide after the March 28 elections, we note that some anti-democratic forces seem bent on fomenting trouble in Edo State by embarking on acts of sheer provocation.
“At about 6p.m on Monday, April 6, a low-flying aircraft emerged from the blues and for several minutes, overflew the country-home of the Comrade Governor in Iyamoh, Etsakor West Local Government Area. Fortuitously, the incident occurred barely few minutes after the governor departed for Benin City.
“To us, there could only be two possibilities in the circumstance: either a military or civil aircraft. Knowing that no such flight or mission could have taken place without the knowledge or clearance of either the civil aviation authority or the Air Force, we find this development not only an unconscionable abuse of state powers, but also an extreme act of provocation. Had the governor not providentially left home before the mystery aircraft’s arrival, we can only imagine what could have happened if his security guards were left with no choice than to take a peremptory action.
“Only penultimate Thursday (March 26), we had cause to alert the nation to the deployment of an unusually large contingent of troops around the governor’s private residence in Iyamoh.
“Having been soundly beaten in the presidential ring, we are aware that PDP is presently sorely bitter and like a decapitated serpent, is looking for a target or anyone perceived as staunch Buhari supporter to hurl the venom left in its belly.
“While we cannot deny them their right to grieve, let it be known that Edo people will not offer any consolation prize on April 11 as they will, this time, resist any attempt to steal their ballot through Army intimidation.
“Let it also be noted that as the head of PDP, President Goodluck Jonathan will bear personal responsibility should any harm befall the Comrade Governor.”
The Nation.
