By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Edo State leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party’s Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council on Saturday differed on a viral video suggesting a call for violence in the build-up to the September 21st governorship election.

The video where references to billboards being in some parts of the city surfaced a few hours after the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata complained that his billboards in several parts of Benin City were being pulled down by agents of the state government and the continuation of the act was a call for anarchy.

A statement by the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Emperor Jaret Tenebe called on the police to arrest the Deputy Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, Rev Olu Martins for his comments in the video which he said was a call for violence.

Tenebe said the video also showed Martins calling on the Director of Operation “of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s ‘police’, the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) to attack anyone who fails to embrace the PDP and its fading candidate.

“In the event that the security agencies fail to rein Olu Martins and his irks in, the alternative is a call for anarchy.

“We will not endure any form of violence or cultist activities perpetrated or sponsored by the state.

“On our part, we shall continue to work towards ensuring a peaceful and free election. However, our civility can only be guaranteed in an atmosphere of egalitarianism”
But a statement released by Martins on Saturday said the video and its contents were being misinterpreted.

“Ordinarily, I don’t bother with such allegations since my pedigree as a pastor, human rights activist and a serious anti-cult proponent since my university days is known to all.
“I understand that this is a political season and the opposition is looking for relevance by throwing all kinds of dirty cards.

“Apart from stating that that video was completely taken out of context which I have clearly stated in a video, the meeting was held at the campaign office of the party situated at Aiguobasinwin at about 12 noon precisely on the 22nd of May 2024.”