In a recent development, Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force in Edo State. The arrest followed a petition by the party's Youth Leader, Comrade Eragbe Anselm Aphimia.
According to the Vanguard, Aphimia lodged a complaint with the Edo State Commissioner of Police, alleging that he was attacked by some party members in December 2023. The petition, dated February 13, was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command.
In the petition, Aphimia expressed his grave concern about a "heinous act of violence" perpetrated against him on December 29, 2023. He stated that he flew into Benin City Airport around 2 p.m. on December 28, 2023, as part of an official 5-member delegation authorised by the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Alhaji Lamidi Basiru Apapa.
Their mission was to organise Ward, LGA, and State Congresses in Edo State, as well as supervise the sale of nomination forms for various posts, as mandated by INEC guidelines, within the stipulated time frames.
Upon arrival at the Benin Airport, Aphimia was received by one Mrs Mary Okheime Newberry, who claimed to be providing transportation and accommodation on behalf of unnamed "stakeholders." Unbeknownst to Aphimia and his colleague, Mr Patrick Anethua, Newberry was allegedly plotting an ambush.
The following morning, a man named Austin Emeka picked up Aphimia and Anethua from the hotel lobby, under the pretence of taking them to a meeting venue. However, they were violently attacked just outside the hotel gates by a waiting mob.
When contacted, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, stated that he had not been briefed about the arrest. He said, "As the PPRO of Edo State, I don’t know anything about it. When I am briefed then I can make it public."
Similarly, when Dr Yunusa Salisu Tanko, Chief Spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 election, was contacted, he simply said, "I will get back to you."
This incident underscores the importance of safety and security in political activities and the need for justice in cases of violence.