Rita Enemuru, Reporting
FOLLOWING earlier alleged abduction of a nonagenarian, Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, the Edo State Government says he has been released by the Nigeria Police.
This followed a fresh clarifications that the 90-year-old was actually arrested by the police rather than abducted as initially reported.
In a follow-up press statement signed by the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the government said the initial report indicated that Pa Joseph was abducted around 4:00a.m on the early morning of Tuesday, until further clarifications revealed that he was actually arrested following a petition by some members of Amagba Community.
Whatever the motive, the government said, arresting a 90-year-old and fragile man at 4:00a.m in such gestapo manner was a no-no for it.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, the statement noted, is a law-abiding Governor whose approach to issues often follows due process and the rule of law.
At 90, Pa Iduoriyekemwen could have been invited to answer to issues raised in the petition, instead of such an approach.
The government observed that in Edo State, little issues often ignite passion and are easily politicised to blackmail the government.
It stressed that the state treats its elders with respect and decorum as a way to deepen its emotional intelligence in driving its governance agenda.
It urged people to respect the rule of law and due process in driving narratives that place Edo State at the epicentre of decency and common sense, and implored security agencies to apply the best of methods and approaches in dealing with petitions and issues that require clarification.
Land ownership and acquisition, the government added, must follow the pattern laid out by the Government of Edo State, in line with Governor Okpebholo’s ongoing reforms to strengthen processes and documentation in the administration of lands.
Anyone who tries to abuse the process, no matter how highly placed, will naturally face the full wrath of the law.
