The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria has cautioned the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), against truncating the Edo State governorship poll, slated September 21.
It recalled how some citizens of Edo State had raised concerns over alleged plans by some forces to use “Federal might” on their side, which they viewed as an intimidation tactic against other political parties and candidates.
Its National Coordinator, Victor Kalu and Secretary, Ali Abacha, in a statement yesterday, argued that the detention of
some members of the Edo State Security Corps by the Nigeria Police have further heightened concerns about potential bias in the election process.
They warned that any perception of partiality by the police could lead to unrest and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
“The Nigeria Police Force is the lead security agency in the management of peace and security during elections, and its professionalism and impartiality, before, during, and after the elections, goes a long way in determining the success or otherwise of our elections.
“If the Police Force, who is indeed the custodian of our peace and security, are then perceived to have taken sides with one of the parties to the elections, the electorate naturally resorts to self-help, and such unprofessional conduct becomes a tonic to the breakdown of law and order in the society.”
Kalu called for the immediate release of members of the Edo State Security Corps who were recently detained by the police, including Amos Tom Uduhagene, a Puwov personnel, and Kingsley Osahon, a councilor in Ward 10 of Esan North East Local Government Area. The group also expressed concern over alleged plans to arrest other members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State.
“There have been several speculations and unconfirmed reports alleging surreptitious moves to arrest some other members of the People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party in the state, in an alleged attempt to showcase the ability to use what is often bandied about as ‘Federal Might’.
“This coalition is, therefore, using this medium to appeal to the police authorities to live above board and stay on the course of fairness, equity, and justice, before, during, and after the elections,” he said.
Kalu urged stakeholders, including the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to ensure that there is no interference in the upcoming Edo State Governorship election. They called on all parties involved to prioritize peace, decorum, and the rule of law, and to allow the citizens of Edo State to freely choose their next governor.
“Edo State citizens have the capacity and the requisite wisdom to choose a Governor of their choice without being forced. This choice must be allowed to be expressed in an atmosphere of peace and orderliness.
“At the end of the day, elections are held in the overall interest of the people and for the common good of all Nigerians.”
