All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has condemned what it described as the political manipulation of security concerns following the recent disturbance in Ekpoma.
Gatekeepers News reports that the party started its position on the Ekpoma disturbance in a statement on Saturday, by Barrister Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, State Publicity Secretary of the APC in Edo State and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Party Affairs.
The party said it monitored the events closely and noted that while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, the Ekpoma incident did not meet that standard.
APC claimed the gathering was politically motivated and aimed at undermining the security efforts of the current administration.
The party alleged that many of the individuals involved were not residents of Ekpoma but imported elements who targeted billboards and materials bearing the images of Governor Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to the APC, this showed that the action was directed against the Governor and the President rather than a genuine call for improved security.
The APC stated that insecurity in Ekpoma was worse before the present administration came into office, affecting residents and the academic community. It said Governor Okpebholo has since introduced strategic security measures, improved coordination with law enforcement agencies, and adopted intelligence-driven approaches to reduce crime.
The party added that residents of Ekpoma have continued to express confidence in the government’s commitment to security, noting that calm was restored shortly after the disturbance through swift intervention by security agencies, led by the Commissioner of Police.
The APC further alleged that the timing and conduct of the disturbance pointed to opposition interests attempting to politicise security issues for personal gain, warning that such actions threaten peace and stability.
Calling for restraint, the party urged Edo citizens, traditional rulers, community leaders, and political actors to reject violence and support the government’s efforts to protect lives and property.
The statement reaffirmed that the Edo State Government remains in control of the security situation and will not be distracted by what it described as politically orchestrated disruptions.
