Gunmen

By Jethro Ibileke 

There was tension in the Oredo local Government Council Secretariat on Monday as suspected political thugs took over the secretariat and prevented the Council Chairman, Dr Tom Obaseki, from gaining access to his office.

The thugs who were armed with dangerous weapons reportedly took strategic positions at the secretariat, chanting war songs.

The development forced the embattled Council Boss, Tom Obaseki who had resumed work for the day to retreat.

Obaseki had resumed for the day, following an Edo State High Court ruling last Friday which nullified the suspension of the 18 LG council chairmen.

The 18 council chairmen and their deputies were suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly following a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo during which the latter alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.

Obaseki who spoke with journalists outside the council premises, described the incident as a very disturbing trend.

“I came here to continue my work as elected chairman of Oredo local government, I met a whole lot of thugs who have already overtaken the council.

“We are calling on the security agencies to arrest the situation. What is important is that we have a restraining order,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Council Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government, Newton Ugiagbe successfully gained access to his office and performed his official duties unhindered.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Council boss, Mr Roy Osariemen disclosed this to Blueprint.

Osariemen said: “Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs tried to disrupt the smooth running of the council, they were resisted by the good people of Orhionmwon.

“Apart from those skirmishes, the council chairman and the legislative arm worked on Monday unhindered.

“This is because they are on the same page in the delivery of good governance to the people,” he added.