To the lazy and less productive politicians, shaming and labeling their opponents is necessary, they believe their opponents to be less of a person than they are. But the reverse is the case for anyone who sees politics and political office as a platform to promote egalitarianism in the society.
Midwest Herald is highly disturbed by the senseless violence instigated by some political leaders in pursuit of their personal political agenda, currently going on in Edo State – in particular, the recent attack on PA Samuel Dania, Vice-chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Akoko Edo local government area, and others.
The horrific scene showed how some thugs who have been alleged to be members of the PDP, led some men out of a building, before they were flogged with rods and tree branches, like a scene from the ‘Greco-Roman’ wrestling, that was used for the entertainment of the ruling class in the ancient Greek civilizations.
It must be noted that violence multiplies violence and therefore, every violent action must be condemn by decent people.
Political violence like the recent one in Akoko Edo which went viral on the internet is nothing but local terrorism, unleashed by known local people. The mayhem carried out in Akoko Edo by local politicians, was promoted and encouraged by their previleged political office holders, past and present, whose track records are marked by poor moral and ethical principles.
It’s heart-warming that the State Working Committee of the PDP has quickly condemned the attack in very strong terms, by calling it “callous act of brigandry. We salute the unmistakable statement of the Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi that the violent attack debased leaders and members of their party.
Midwest Herald agrees with the PDP chairman that the assault was unwarranted and condemnable. We welcome his call on the security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
We have also noted that the Edo State Government has ordered security agencies in the state to thoroughly investigate the incident, to ensure that anyone found culpable is made to “face the full weight of extant laws in the state.” And in particular, her intention to prosecute the perpetrators with the ‘Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law.’ However, the investigation and prosecution must not give cover to their sponsor.
Already, preliminary investigation by Midwest Herald has allegedly identified some persons that participated in the violent attack, as Akhenoba Robinson, Damisah Ojeaga, Pastor Yakubu Oshifuemeh
and others.
A recurring political urchin has been fingered as the lead sponsor of this reprehensible attack. The security agency must also pay due diligence to this angle, as doing so will send the right positive signal to violent political actors.
In conclusion, Midwest Herald calls on all political actors in Edo State to be mindful of their actions, so as to prevent the state from sliding into anarchy, from where it was some years ago.