Kingsley Ohens Reporting
From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Election observers under the guise of Network of Civil Society Organizations, on Tuesday, condemned alleged arrest of some supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the Edo State governorship poll.
Its National Coordinator Comrade Victor kalu and Secretary, Ali Abacha, in a statement called on security agencies to speedily conduct an investigation into the violence that erupted at the Benin Airport.
Also, they demanded public their findings on the involving thugs seen around and ensure that those found wanting in that unfortunate airport incident are brought to answer to their crimes, with a view to serving as deterrence to others.
Kalu, in addition, called on President Bola Tinubu to “use his good office and powers to caution his party’s All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate and members to stop overheating the polity with their boastful celebration of election victory (even as the election has not been conducted) on the grounds of winning through ‘Federal might’.”
He said: “We call on security agencies, especially, the police to speedily conduct an investigation into the violence that erupted at the Benin Airport; and we demand that they make public their findings on the involvement of Comrade Philip Shaibu and the gang of thugs seen around him; and ensure that those found wanting in that unfortunate airport incident are brought to answer to their crimes, with a view to serving as deterrence to others.
“The Police must also stop the one-sided intimidation and arrest of the Peoples’ Democratic Party supporters and other innocent citizens, linking them to the Benin Airport attack.
“They cannot persecute political opponents of the ruling APC government while allowing the prime suspects walk about freely. As we count down to the September 21st Edo State Governorship elections, cool heads must now prevail and those who see aspiration to political office as a means to an end must now be made to understand, that there’s always life after political contestation.
“The Network of Civil Society Organizations therefore request President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – GCFR to as a matter of national interest, call the Inspector General Of Police to order to immediately stop their continuous intimidation and arrest of innocent citizens and supporters of the ruling PDP in the state.
“Mr. President should also use his good office and powers to caution his party’s All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate and members to stop overheating the polity with their boastful celebration of election victory (even as the election has not been conducted) on the grounds of winning through ‘Federal might’.
“We also appeal to the good conscience of these self-seeking politicians to understand, that Nigeria is presently facing one of its most difficult periods in our contemporary history and politicians must rather, attach seriousness to viable political philosophies that can better advance democracy and the rule of law.
“Edo State has perhaps, the most enlightened citizenry and no form of violence can sway them one way or the other. Those who think any act of violence or intimidation will have its way in the upcoming elections in the State, will be hugely disappointed.
“A word they say, is enough for the wise.Finally, we must state here and without any fear of contradiction, that Edo citizens will as always, exercise their inalienable franchise come September 21st 2024 to choose a leader of their choice as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Democracy has often been defined as Government of the people, for the people and by the people. In other words, the essence of democracy and the rule of law are to further advance the good and betterment of any given society and ensure that citizens have unimpeded access to goods and services as may be provided by those elected to preside over their affairs.
“The power to freely and expressly choose leaders of their choice must therefore, be entirely that of the electorate to make, without inducement or intimidation.
“The people of Edo State must be allowed to make that choice without recourse to brigandage and mayhem,” he added.
