In response to recent demolition threats reportedly directed against Hon. Marcus Onobun and Hon. Collins Aigbogun by the Edo State Government, led by Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released this press statement. Serious concerns are raised in the statement on what the PDP characterises as politically driven activities carried out in the name of law enforcement, specifically the use of the Anti-Cultism Law without a valid conviction. It restates the party’s position on rule of law, democratic accountability, and the defence of people’ rights, particularly those of those with different political opinions. The PDP urges the state government to stop what it describes as illegal and retaliatory acts, viewing the planned demolitions as an act of political persecution.
June 11, 2024
Press Release
UNWARRANTED DEMOLITION THREAT AGAINST HON. MARCUS ONOBUN & HON. COLLINS AIGBOGUN: A CLEAR CASE OF POLITICAL VICTIMISATION
…Senator Okpebholo operating anti cultism law in breach
The Edo State Government under Senator Monday Okpebholo has continued its trend of oppression, tyranny, and intimidation to suppress opposition and coerce citizens into silence.
This time, it is Hon. Marcus Onobun, the member representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Hon. Collins Aigbogun, Esan West Local Government Council Chairman who are being jolted with the marking of their property in their hometowns for arbitrary demolition.
We condemn in the strongest terms this perpetual resort to political harassment and witch-hunt in a desperate attempt to intimidate, silence, and cripple the opposition in Edo State.
This brazen move by the state government represents a disturbing abuse of power and a misuse of legislation to target political opponents. The Anti-Cultism Law, as passed, clearly stipulates that property can only be subject to forfeiture or demolition *after a valid conviction by a competent court of law*. At present, there is no such conviction against Hon Onobun and Hon Aigbogun—only *baseless, unsubstantiated allegations*.
This is not law enforcement; it is a *political witch-hunt*.
We wish to remind the Edo State Government that Nigeria is governed by law, not by executive fiat. The weaponisation of laws to stifle opposition voices and intimidate perceived political rivals is not only a threat to democracy in Edo State but a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country.
The PDP strongly condemns this vindictive action and calls on all well-meaning citizens, civil society organisations, and the international community to speak out against this injustice.
We demand an immediate halt to the planned demolitions and call on the Edo State Government to retrace its steps and respect the legal rights and fundamental freedoms of Hon.Onobun, Hon Aigbogun and all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.
We also want to put on notice the policemen, bulldozer drivers as well as owners of the bulldozers that they will be held liable if for any reason they participate in the supervision, destruction or demolishing of any building or property without a valid court order. They should know that they do not enjoy immunity that the governor enjoys and the law frowns at the execution of unlawful orders!
At this juncture, we call on Senator Okpebholo and the Edo State Government to cease this intolerance for dissenting voices and vindictive demolition in various guises, and redirect their efforts towards delivering transparent, inclusive, and effective governance that truly serves the interests of Edo people.
This political victimisation must stop!
Signed
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi
Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee
