Gov Obaseki
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
Ahead of the Saturday, March 18th, 2023 State Houses of Assembly rescheduled election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm over alleged plot of the Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s administration to unleash mayhem, tears, sorrow and blood across the State especially: South, and Central zones.
The Party alleged that the Governor’s led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) already aware of Edo people’s rejection and imminent defeat, plans to disrupt peaceful election in polling units where they would be losing.
The APC raised the allegation on Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 at a media briefing in Benin-City.
Addressing journalists, the State Chairman, Col. David Imuse said: “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki is desperate and working hard to create chaos in a way that could spoil an election that should be peaceful and rancour free.
“As a Party, we have privileged and credible information indicating that the Edo State Government has procured military and Police uniforms, arms and ammunition for both the Edo State Security Network (Vigilante), known PDP thugs, members of secret cults, NURTW, under one Mr. Odion Olaye with plans for them to disrupt the House of Assembly elections.
“… the main objective of the Governor is to get these fake security personnel and thugs to designated polling stations in Edo Central and South on election day, to interrupt and terminate elections in the units that the PDP is losing in order for INEC to cancel the results.”
APC alleged the plan modus operandi to be deployed are: “Those in military uniform will be on patrol pretending to be soldiers;
“Those in mufti will queue up with voters;
“They will be armed by the Governor with procured and licensed pump action rifles;
“They are to destroy ballot papers and other electoral materials in any unit they are not winning especially during counting of votes;
“They have been given clear orders to shoot when necessary as the Governor has assured them of adequate protection;
“The Governor has allegedly the NURTW under the leadership of Mr. Odion Olaye to transport election materials to unknown destinations where rigging can be carried out;
“This violent operation is to be carried out especially in Edo Central and South.
“This contravenes the order of the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police that all thugs, vigilantes and all poachers and fake State sponsored security services such as the Edo State Security Network are disqualified to be anywhere near any polling station and collation centre on election day.
“The APC consequently appeal to the State Police Command to remain vigilant to prevent potential trouble makers from making the State ungovernable.
In response, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategic planning and communication, denied the allegation saying Obaseki is committed to free fair and credible elections in the State.
While Olaye also denying the allegation said the Governor has not called him for such an assignment adding it is the APC who are moving from one community to the other begging for votes, with the aim to impeaching the Governor.
The media briefing was attended by the Party’s State leaders, former deputy Governor, Hon. Pius Egberamwen Odubu, former speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe, the Party’s Governorship candidate in the 2020 election, Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu, State scribe of the Party, Hon. Lawrence Okah and State Image maker of the Party, Peter Enoserogbe Uwadiae Igbinigie Esq, amongst others.
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