* Calls for immediate replacement, Police prosecution
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called for the immediate replacement and prosecution of the Edo State Resident Election Commissioner, (REC), Dr. Johnson Alaibo Sinikiem.
The PRP demand is coming few weeks after a similar call by the ruling party in the State, Peoples’ Democratic party (PDP).
The PDP had in a petition signed by the party Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi accused the Edo REC of forgery and falsification of reports.
In the same vein, the PRP in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Greg Igbinomwanhia said the Party’s stance is based on the recent corruption exhibited during the recent voters registration in the State; where money was alleged to have exchanged hands between the INEC officials and the people as a condition for registration.
“It is highly embarrassing that the bribery allegations in the last voters registration was vividly captured by a leading national newspaper in the country.
“The newspaper had reported that there was element of corruption during the voters registration with the Commission demanding between N1,000 and N5,000 before eligible citizens were allowed to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of the 2023 elections, as alleged by applicants.”
Dr. Igbinomwanhia condemned the attitude of the Edo REC who he accused of giving the laxity to the personnels, to deny the citizenry their civil responsibilities due to corruption.
He also stated, that the petitions from Edo PDP and APC have enough evidence to prosecute the Edo REC, for their involvement in the alleged bribery scandal.
