In a shocking turn of events, Prince Odi Okojie, husband of renowned Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson and a member of the House of Representatives, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his residence on the eve of the Edo State gubernatorial elections. This disturbing incident raises significant concerns about political violence and the safety of public figures in Nigeria.
The assassination attempt occurred when four men, posing as police officers, drove into Okojie’s compound in a Lexus SUV with Rivers State license plates. Their intention was clear: to harm the politician. However, due to the quick response of police personnel assigned to protect him, the attackers were thwarted. Two of the suspects were apprehended at the scene, and they are now cooperating with authorities by providing confessions.
Michael Ihaza, Okojie’s media aide, took to social media to inform the public about the incident and express his outrage. In his Facebook post, he condemned the attack and voiced concerns over the escalating violence surrounding political campaigns. He emphasized that such acts of aggression should have no place in a democratic process.
Ihaza stated, “We have tried to campaign and sell our candidate with all within us except taking people’s lives.” His message was clear: political rivalry should not result in threats to life or safety. He warned those behind the attempt that their actions would not go unchallenged and that the community would rally behind Okojie.
As the Edo State elections approach, Ihaza called for a peaceful voting process. He urged all political parties to respect each other and to conduct their campaigns without resorting to violence. “Let’s go and vote tomorrow quietly,” he urged, reminding everyone that the focus should be on fair competition rather than intimidation or threats.
The attack on Okojie highlights the increasingly dangerous environment for politicians in Nigeria, where political tensions often escalate into violence. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved security measures for public figures and the importance of promoting peaceful political discourse.
The assassination attempt on Prince Odi Okojie is a troubling indication of the challenges facing political leaders in Nigeria today. As citizens prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming elections, it is vital to prioritize safety and to ensure that the electoral process remains free from violence. The hope is that this incident will prompt a collective commitment to uphold democratic values and protect the integrity of political processes in the country.
