Edo Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate Summoned by Police Over UNIBEN Assault Incident

From Our Correspondent

The Edo State Police Command has taken action regarding the recent assault incident involving Olumide Akpata, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party.

Allegations of security breaches, including gunfire at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last Friday, prompted the summons.

According to Chidi Nwabuzor, the Public Relations Officer for the Command, Akpata was served the invitation during the Political Desk Session at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

The assault reportedly occurred during an investiture ceremony hosted by the UNIBEN Staff Club.

Akpata claims he was attacked by suspected political thugs orchestrated by both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the State Government, alleging an assassination attempt.

In response to the summons, Kelly Ogbaloi, the State Chairman of the Labour Party, confirmed receiving the police invitation, despite being absent in Benin at the time.

Ogbaloi expressed willingness to comply with the investigation, though questioned the necessity of his involvement in light of the incident’s unrelated nature to the party’s activities.

“The police ought to have done their background investigations,” Ogbaloi stated, emphasizing that Akpata’s recognition by UNIBEN was independent of party affairs. “So, I don’t know why I am being asked to come along with him to the Police Command Headquarters in Benin, however, I will honour the invitation.”