Why Obaseki Can’t Order My Arrest – Oshiomhole

Why Obaseki Can’t Order My Arrest  – Oshiomhole

Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, has dismissed incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki’s call for his arrest, claiming that his successor has no authority to issue such an order.

For years, the two political gladiators have feuded, forcing Obaseki, elected in 2016 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his first term, to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party, where he was re-elected in 2020.

On Wednesday, the state government responded to violent protests in the state over the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) controversial naira swap policy and the resulting scarcity of new currency by accusing Oshiomhole of masterminding the demonstrations.

Obaseki was quoted as alleging that the former governor incited thugs to vandalise banks and disrupt state peace due to naira scarcity.

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“At this stage, we call on security agencies to arrest Adams Oshiomhole for questioning and to account for his movement, especially here in Benin City in the last few days. He deliberately instigated the protest of the people,” read the statement by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare.

But, speaking to journalists in Edo State on Friday, Oshiomhole said he was amused by the allegation.

“When I read initially on social media… that Obaseki has ordered the police to arrest me, I had a very good laugh.

“First, because Obaseki doesn’t know that he doesn’t have the power to order the arrest of a citizen. And that’s the reason why some people have reservations about what people like Obaseki talk about state police.”

The APC senatorial candidate in Edo North argued that it was up to law enforcement to investigate anyone they deemed a person of interest, and that if they were found wanting, they could be summoned for questioning.

“The police have not – and I would be surprised if they have now – generated to the level of taking orders from a politician who is faced with a crisis of confidence and the people are revolting against him,” he added.

Oshiomhole described his ideal political leader and how the government should respond.

“A governor or a leader must be able to win the hearts of his people and talk them out of bitterness, and above all, give them hope that whatever are the challenges that they face, the government is in a position to do something about it. This is what the government should do.”

While acknowledging that protests are part of democratic ideals, Oshiomhole condemned the riots that erupted across the state.

“I believe Nigerians have a right to protest against anything that they are not happy about. But I also want Nigerians to understand that there’s a huge difference between protest and rioting.

“The problem of rioting is like shooting a gun into a market: you don’t know who it will hit. But when you peacefully decide to protest, that is what distinguishes a free people from slaves,” he said.

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