Commissioner appointment: IPDI declares war against Obaseki, Oba of Benin, says Edo govt has murdered peace

•Police don’t comment on political issues – Edo police spokesman

The Ijaw foremost group, the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, said it has declared total war against the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin over the exclusion of the Ijaws in the appointment of Commissioners and other top political positions in the state and starving them of basic amenities and infrastructure.

The Ijaw group in a press statement signed by its National president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, said the group has declared total war against Obaseki and Oba the of Benin for conspiring against the Ijaw people over the years, adding that Edo government has murdered peace in the state.

According the group, the Ijaw people of Edo State may fight for their exit from the state if urgent steps were not taken to correct the injustice meted for the Ijaw people.

He stressed: ‘We thought Obaseki is a christian. Christian now more wicked than pagan. What is the teachings of Christ is he replicating with what is happening now? Obaseki is turning into a huge disappointment in the body of Christ.

‘It appears that Obaseki does not need peace, so we will invite the host of heaven and seek any means available to fight him.

‘It is written that there shall be no peace for the wicked, Obaseki will not know peace again in the coming days’, the group added.

However, when contacted, Daniel Ezekiel called for calm. He also appreciated the media for the support during and after the Edo elections.

Ezekiel further said having the governor noticed the strong support of the Ijaws in his elections will definitely not abandoned Ijaws in the state.

The Edo Police Command’s PPRO, SP Kantoong Bello when contacted on the grievances of the Ijaws, said the issue is political and had nothing to do with the police.

“Except there is a breach of law and order. But now it is purely within the government powers to address it’, he said.