Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, has rejected the governor Godwin Obaseki’s demand that he be arrested, claiming that his successor does not have the authority to issue such a request.
The two political gladiators have been engaged in a long-running feud that caused Obaseki, who was originally elected in 2016 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to desert to the People’s Democratic Party, where he successfully ran for reelection in 2020.
As a result of violent protests on Wednesday in the state over the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) contentious naira swap policy and the resulting shortage of new currency, the state government responded by accusing Oshiomhole of orchestrating the riots.
According to Obaseki, the former governor organised thugs to rob banks and disturb the state’s tranquilly in response to the naira shortage.
“At this point, we urge security forces to detain Adams Oshiomhole so they may question him and inquire into his whereabouts, particularly given that he has been seen recently in Benin City. Chris Nehikhare, the state commissioner for communication and orientation, said that he “deliberately promoted the protest of the people.”
Oshiomhole, speaking to journalists on Friday in Edo State, claimed that he found the accusation amusing.
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When I first saw on social media that Obaseki had ordered the police to arrest me, I laughed a lot.
“First, because Obaseki is unaware that he lacks the authority to order a citizen’s arrest. And for that reason, some people find what people like Obaseki say about state police to be unsettling.
The APC senatorial candidate for Edo North claimed that it was up to the law enforcement agencies to look into anyone they thought would be of interest and that if proven to be unreliable, they might be called in for interrogation.
“I would be amazed if the police have advanced to the level of receiving commands from a leader who is experiencing a crisis of confidence and the people are rising against him,” he continued.
Oshiomhole shared his vision for the ideal political leader and his recommendations on how the government ought to act.
“A governor or leader must be able to win the hearts of his people, talk them out of resentment, and most importantly, instill optimism that the government can address any problems they may be facing. The government should take action in this way.
Oshiomhole acknowledged that demonstrations were a part of democratic values, but he condemned the disturbances that broke out all over the state.
“In my opinion, Nigerians have the right to demonstrate against any issue with which they are not pleased. But I also want Nigerians to realise that rioting and protesting are quite different things.
“The issue with rioting is similar to firing a rifle into a crowd: you never know who you’re going to strike. But what separates a free people from slaves, he continued, is when you decide to demonstrate in a peaceful manner.
(CHANNELS)
