By Jennifer Y Omiloli
The All Progressive Congress (APC) national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, accused Edo’s deputy governor, Phiip Shaibu, of importing thugs following an attack on Governor Godwin Obaseki.
At the entrance of Oshiomhole’s country home in Iyamho, Edo North, Obaseki was in the company of Oba Akiolu when his convoy was attacked.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Simon Ebegbulem, Oshiomhole said he and the other guests were in the hall when the deputy governor came to the venue with over 200 motorcycle riders and thugs.
According to him, “Security operatives accosted them at the gate and refused them entrance. The thugs started threatening the security operatives who insisted the deputy governor can enter the venue but they will not allow the thugs to gain access,” the statement said.
The statement added that as attacks from the thugs worsened, the security operatives resorted to using teargas on them and the deputy governor.
The Deputy Governor found his way into the venue wnhich created tension while the criminals were dispersed, the statement said.
“However, after the event, Comrade Oshiomhole invited the Oba of Lagos, the chancellor and others for lunch at his country home which is right opposite the university. Consequently, he left instruction at the gate that he was expecting these respected leaders.
“So when the visitors came, the governor drove in a bus with other officials but following the incident that occurred earlier where thugs sponsored by the deputy governor invaded the university, Iyamho youths barricaded the gate of the national chairman with a view to protecting him against any harm,” the statement claimed.
The statement from Oshiomhole added that the tension and attack in his house happened when the youths in the area sighted (inside the bus) Andrew Momodu, Osaigbovo Iyoha, believed to have attacked the national chairman earlier.
“They decided to stop them from entering the compound because these were the same people who led the thugs that attacked Oshiomhole’s residence in Benin City penultimate week.
“While this confusion was on, the thugs brought by the deputy governor started destroying the vehicles belonging to Oshiomhole’s kinsmen. I want to state clearly that the vehicles destroyed were not in the convoy of the governor.
“The thugs targeted the vehicles belonging to Oshiomhole’s relations and friend and destroyed them. Thank God for the intervention of soldiers and other security operatives who came to restore peace,” Oshiomhole said accusing the deputy governor of causing the incident.
He also apoogized to the governor and other dignitaries impacted by the attack.
