Former Edo CPS, John Mayaki asked Edo residents to stay awake through out the night to protect the future of Edo State
By Yahaya Idris
With results emerging from the Edo State elections, Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears to be coasting to victory. Nevertheless, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues vote collation overnight, concerns arise about potential manipulation by the losing party.
Reports indicate that members of the defeated camp are allegedly seeking to exploit their police ties to subvert the electoral process. Concurrently, worries are intensifying that the military, a crucial stabilizing factor, is facing pressure to withdraw and relinquish its safeguarding role, thereby heightening the risk of electoral tampering.
John Mayaki, former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Godwin Obaseki, cautioned Edo State citizens to be vigilant, referencing the Bible’s warning that ‘The thief cometh not, but for to steal, kill, and to destroy’, as threats loom.
Mayaki states that the darkness offers fertile ground for mischief, which could compromise the integrity of the election during these hours.
He likened the situation to the parable of the wheat and tares, turning once again to Scripture: “But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.” The message was clear – the stakeholders and electorate cannot afford to be complacent.
In his rallying cry to democracy lovers, Mayaki declared, ‘The night is huge.’ He urged every citizen who cherishes Edo State’s future to remain awake, alert, and active in ensuring the collation process’s transparency and fairness, stressing that ‘the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.’
He stated that the fight for democracy extends beyond the ballot box, continuing through the night, into counting rooms, and every moment thereafter, until the people’s true will is secured. As collation continues, every citizen has a role in safeguarding this election’s integrity.
His words, “The stakes are high, and the coming hours will determine whether democracy prevails or is undermined by those seeking to thwart the will of the people through rigging, intimidation and manipulation. We must be vigilant to halt the thieves”.
