The Edo State Government has condemned attempts by the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State to negatively spin comments made by State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, where he warned that if the APC does not allow for a free and fair election in the State, it will be a recipe for crisis in Nigeria.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who clarified the view expressed by Governor Obaseki during a recent political meeting in the State, accused the opposition party of trying to exploit the instrument of violence to influence the outcome of the September 21 governorship election in the State.
He recalled that on Thursday, July 18, 2024, ahead of the rally to inaugurate the APC National Campaign Council, in Benin City, which was held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, the party assembled a large number of people believed to be thugs, most of them allegedly bearing firearms around the precincts of the Benin Airport, on Airport Road, Benin City, to cause mayhem in the State, resulting in the unfortunate death of a police officer, Inspector Akor Onuh attached to MOPOL 45 Abuja and the wanton destruction of property and injuries to several citizens who were going about their lawful businesses.
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He added that the mob then moved around the city, attacking other institutions, including the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Secretariat, inflicting violence and terror on the lawyers in their secretariat, and also intimidated and harassed private citizens who were putting on any material that had the insignia of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, within the Benin metropolis.
Chris Nehikhare alleged that the APC has clearly shown their plan for the September 21 governorship election in the State, which is to cause mayhem, make the State ungovernable, and take advantage of the chaos to manipulate the forthcoming governorship election.
Nehikhare advised the opposition party to, for once, read the mood of the nation and understand that with the current hardship, unattainable cost of living, and pervasive hunger in the country, a slightly irresponsible behavior by the political class can ignite a crisis that will have a domino effect and cause a conflagration across the nation.
He said the note of caution is even more appropriate with the ominous threat of a nationwide protest with the potential to degenerate into a widespread breakdown of law and order.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
