The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State Chapter, has demanded the immediate release of Esan West Local Government Council Chairman, Collins Aigbogun, from Police custody.
It would be recalled that the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo, had on Tuesday afternoon while briefing newsmen in Benin confirmed the arrest of Aigbogun by officers of the Force Investigation Department (FCID)
Peeved by what the State AlGON described as an unprovoked attack and unjust arrest of its members by the police, members of the association in the company of some youths and women in the state took to different stakeholders and streets in Benin including the headquarters of the police in protest to register their displeasure.
The people brandished placards with different inscriptions, such as, “IGP is for Nigerian Police and not APC Police”, “Edo belongs to PDP”, “IGP release Hon Collins Aigbogun”, among others.
Speaking on behalf of members of ALGON at the Police Command in Edo, the Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Newman Ugiagbe, berated the arrest of their colleague, Collins Aigbogun.
He was surprised that instead of the police arresting and prosecuting those who he claimed attacked Aigbogun, the police decided to arrest the local boss.
He believed that the decision to arrest the local boss was politically orchestrated by the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state.
Ugiagbe, therefore called the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Iwo, and other security agencies to as a matter of urgency investigate, arrest and prosecute those who according to him attacked Collins Aigbogun.
He said: “We must all strive to uphold the principles of justice and equality for the benefit of all, and we demand the immediate release of Hon. Collins Aigboqun, Chairman Esan West Local Government Council, who is the complainant but suddenly is being victimised by the police from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
“It is disheartening to note that instead of engaging in a peaceful campaign, the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be resorting to violence and intimidation tactics, including unwarranted attacks on PDP members.
“Such unprovoked assaults must be addressed swiftly to prevent further attack and ensure a free and fair electoral process”, he demanded.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
