Edo State Government has commenced investigation into the altercation between Barrister Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) standard bearer in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state and the Students Union Government (SUG) of the University of Benin(Uniben) over issues of violence said to have occurred between the two camps at the Uniben campus on Friday.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, disclosed the government’s position in a statement on Saturday evening.
According to Nehikhare, “the Edo State Government condemns in the strongest terms the violence associated with the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata’s visit to the University of Benin on Friday, April 12, 2024.
“Claims and counterclaims have been made by Mr. Akpata and the Student Union Government (SUG) of the University in statements issued by both parties on April 13, and active investigation is ongoing on the issue.
“The Edo State Government, however, warns in the strongest terms that it will not tolerate violence or this sort of irresponsible behaviour which was associated with the visit of Mr. Akpata to the institution.
“Government has the primary responsibility to ensure the security of lives and property in the State and will spare no effort to ensure that anyone who breaches the peace, no matter how highly placed, will face the full weight of the law.
“We hereby call on all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses without let as relevant agencies progress with their investigation into the said matter.”
