By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday June 11, 2025, accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of hiding under the guise of fighting cultism to engage in political molestation, oppression and intimidation of perceived foes.
The PDP’s allegations are coming against the backdrop of the marking, for demolition, the property of two of its chieftains, Hon Marcus Onobun and Hon Collins Aigbogun, member of the House of Representatives and Council Chairman respectively.
The Source reports that the Edo State Government which has, of recent, been waging war against suspected cultists in the State has reportedly marked properties belonging to the duo in their hometowns based on the suspicion that they are serving the interests of cultists.
But in a statement issued by Dr Tony Aziegbemi, its Chairman on Wednesday, the Edo State PDP described the action of the State Government as a clear case of political victimization.
“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/Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Hon Collins Aigbogun, the Esan West Local Council Chairman who are jolted by the marking of their property in their home towns 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 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 Ononbun and Hon Aigbogun,only baseless, unsubstantiated allegations.
“This is not law enforcement; it is a political witch-hunt ,and we wish to remind the Edo state Government that Nigeria is governed by law, not by executive fiat.
“The weaponization 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”, part of the PDP statement reads.
The party, therefore condemned, and rejected the state Government’s action which it noted smacks of vindictiveness.
While urging the state authorities to immediately halt the planned demolition, the PDP threatened to hold all those that may want to go ahead with the exercise accountable.
“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 demolition of any building or property without a valid court order.
“They should know that they do not enjoy the immunity that the Governor enjoys, and the law frowns at the execution of unlawful orders”, the PDP stated.
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