Security operatives on Saturday barred protesting youths from getting close to the convoy of Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party.
The Witness understands that the APC National Chairman was in Benin to attend the burial ceremony of mother of Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonyinma, late Cecilia Agbonyinma.
It was learned that heavily armed security personnel were mobilised to the Benin Airport following reports that youths were at the airport to boo Oshiomhole.
The Witness understands that there are soldiers and two police vehicles at the Airport entrance gate, while others comprising officials of the Department of State Security, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed at various points of the Airport.
According to a report on The Nation Newspaper, an armoured personnel carrier was also seen at the airport parking lot. The report added that the heavy mobilisation of security personnel was to forestall any attempt to boo Oshiomhole or prevent him from leaving the airport.
Ir was gathered that Dr Pius Odubu, General Charles Airhiavbere, Samson Osagie and APC chieftains loyal to Oshiomhole were at the airport to receive him.
Some youths were also seen in clusters at the airport. The youths were heard chanting anti-Oshiomhole songs.
Some APC chieftains who refused to be named accused Governor Godwin Obaseki for the activities of the youths. The chieftains said it was wrong for Obaseki to always mobilise thugs to harras Oshiomhole
It was learned that the heavy mobilisation of security personnel was to forestall any attempt to boo Oshiomhole or prevent him from leaving the airport.
A top Edo government official who pleaded anonymity denied the involvement of Obaseki in the airport incident.
The Edo government official, “Oshiomhole should leave Obaseki out of his predicament. If Oshiomhole go to Portharcourt or Bayelsa, you know the reception he will receive.
“Didn’t you see protest against him in Abuja? Was that also Obaseki? Oshiomhole has general dislike across tje country. Oshiomhole’s travail is self inflicted.”