LG polls: Lawmaker accuses Edo CP of shielding suspected arsonists

Uchechukwu Olisah, Benin City - 20.12.2007

A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Fred Omoigberai, on Wednesday accused the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Dega, of shielding persons who burnt the offices of the state Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) during last Saturday’s local government elections .

The legislator, who is representing Owan East constituency in the state, said by refusing to arrest or foot-drag in arresting the perpetrators of the violent acts, particularly in Owan East, the commissioner of police was deliberately shielding them from facing the law.

But the commissioner discribed the accusation as unfounded and malicious, warning that the police should not be dragged into politics.

He said the state police command had already arrested some persons in connection with the arson which took place during local government polls in the state.

Omoigberai, a former deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, said “It was very disturbing and unfortunate that the police could allow criminals who want to hang on to power at all cost in Owan East and still move freely in the streets without being arrested by the police.”

Both the former deputy speaker and the Senator representing Edo North senatorial district in the National Assembly, Alhaji Yisa Braimoh, however, renewed their call on the police to arrest and prosecute the suspected arsonists and restore peace and order in Owan East before the forthcoming Saturday’s rescheduled elections in the locality.