The Edo State Government has issued a stark warning, cautioning that interference by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024, could precipitate a nationwide crisis.
In a statement released on Monday by Crusoe Osagie, Special Assistant on Media Projects, and signed by Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, the government clarified recent remarks made by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“If a free and fair election is not allowed to hold sway in Edo State on September 21, 2024, it will trigger a major crisis in Nigeria,” Nehikhare reiterated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The statement was prompted by what the government termed as attempts by the APC to distort Governor Obaseki’s statements and accused the party of planning to disrupt the election using violent means.
Nehikhare pointed to recent incidents allegedly involving APC supporters, including an attack at Benin Airport on July 18 that led to the death of a police officer and destruction of property, as well as intimidation of lawyers at the Nigerian Bar Association Secretariat.
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“The APC has demonstrated its intent to create chaos, render the state ungovernable, and exploit the resulting disorder to manipulate the upcoming gubernatorial election,” Nehikhare asserted, citing these events as indicative of the party’s strategy.
Given the current economic challenges facing the nation, the government cautioned against irresponsible behavior by political actors, warning of the potential for widespread crisis.
“This caution is especially pertinent amidst looming threats of nationwide protests that could escalate into widespread lawlessness,” Nehikhare cautioned.
The statement urged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear and called on the Nigerian Police to apprehend those responsible for recent acts of violence, offering video evidence from the state’s surveillance system to aid investigations.
“We urge all Edo people to carry on with their lawful activities without fear, while calling on the Nigerian Police to fulfill their duty by apprehending the culprits, many of whom have been identified and captured on video wielding firearms during the incidents,” Nehikhare concluded.
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