The Edo Government expressed serious concerns on Friday regarding an alleged attempt by political thugs to overrun INEC offices situated in several local government areas across the state. This alarming development has prompted heightened vigilance among state officials as they seek to ensure the safety and integrity of the electoral process.
In a significant show of support, the government commended the military for their swift and effective action in thwarting the activities of the suspected thugs at the INEC office in Oredo Local Government, which is located in the state capital. This intervention is seen as crucial in maintaining order and preventing potential disruptions in the electoral landscape.
Chris Nehikhare, the Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, raised the alarm during a news conference held in Benin, where he detailed the concerning activities of the political thugs. According to Nehikhare, these individuals also attempted to seize control of INEC offices in other areas, including Etsako West and Esan West. This pattern of aggression against electoral offices raises serious questions about the safety of the electoral process in the state.
Although the military successfully repelled the thugs at the Oredo INEC office, Nehikhare noted that the group retreated only to regroup across the road from the facility, indicating that the threat was not entirely neutralized. He praised the military for their professionalism and discipline in preventing what could have escalated into a more significant crisis and urged them to extend similar interventions to the remaining 17 local government areas throughout the state.
In a show of resilience, Nehikhare emphasized that the people of Edo would not be intimidated or deterred by the actions of these political thugs. He encouraged citizens to come out en masse to exercise their right to vote, reinforcing the importance of civic participation in the democratic process. He asserted that such acts of intimidation would not succeed in stifling the will of the people.
Nehikhare further added that the military had regained control of the Oredo INEC Secretariat and was actively safeguarding both the people and INEC facilities throughout the state. This proactive approach aims to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the upcoming elections, allowing voters to exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation.
NAN
