PRESS STATEMENT
STILL ON PA JOSEPH IDUORIYEKEMWEN.
We are delighted to announce that Pa Joseph has been released by the Nigeria Police. The initial report was that he was abducted around 4am in the early morning of Tuesday, until further clarifications were made that he was actually arrested following petition by some members of Amagba Community. Whatever be the motive, arresting a 90 years old and fragile man at 4am in such gestapo manner was a no-no for us. Governor Monday Okpebholo is a law abiding Governor whose approach to issues often follows due process and rule of law. At 90, Pa Iduoriyekemwen could have been invited to answer to issues raised in the petition, instead of this approach.
In Edo state, little issues often ignite passion and easily politicised to blackmail the government. We treat our elders with respect and decorum as a way to deepen our emotional intelligence in driving our governance agenda. People should respect the rule of law and due process to drive narratives that place Edo state at the epicentre of decency and common sense. We implore the Security agencies to apply the best of methods and approaches in dealing with petitions and issues that require clarification. Land ownership and acquisition must follow the pattern laid out by the Government of Edo state, in line with Governor Okpebholo’s ongoing reforms to strengthen processes and documentations in the administration of lands. Anyone who tries to abuse the process, no matter how highly placed, will naturally face the full wrath of the law.
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA
HON. COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND STRATEGY.
EDO STATE.
