Comrade Curtis Ugbo flanked by exco members during the press conference
* Says Group working for Gov.Obaseki, PDP candidates
By Kingsley Abavo in Benin
The Omobude Agho led faction of the Edo Civil Society Organisation (EDOCSO), have been condemned for staging a protest; against the Police authority and the Edo State Governorship election umpire, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
On Friday, 13 September, 2024, the Omobude led group were on the major streets of Benin, calling to question the role being played by the police and INEC in the run up to the election.
They asked both agencies of the Government to be neutral during and after the Governorship election holding on Saturday, 21 September, 2024.
But in a swift reaction, leaders and practitioners of a faction of EDOCSO led by Comrade Curtis Ugbo roundly condemned the Omobude group; saying they have deviated from the set purpose of course or action of the rights body and have become abusive.
“It is often said that when a purpose of course or action is undefined, abuse becomes inevitable which is likened to Agho Omobude and his group who always play hide and seek game as it relates to their protest dated 13th of September, 2024.
“Wherein; they requested that INEC and the Nigeria Police should be neutral during and after the fast approaching Governorship election.”
The Ugbo group made the condemnation in a statement jointly signed by its leaders and made available to journalists in Benin, as they posed various questions before the Omobude group to answer.
“1. When Obaseki manipulated the 2023 House of Assembly elections with the help of his militia vigilante, why didn’t Agho Omobude and his group protest against Obaseki’s undemocratic actions??
“2. When Obaseki rigged Local Government Councils elections with the help of his militia vigilante in conjunction with EDSIEC, why didn’t Agho Omobude and his group protest against Obaseki and EDSIEC even when it was glaring that Godwin Obaseki is not willing to allow a level play field for opposition political parties??
“3. When Godwin Obaseki prevented some distinguished Palace Chiefs, Women and Youths with the help of Police from having access to High Court premises on two occasions, why didn’t Agho Omobude and his group protest against Obaseki barbaric and sacrilegious acts??
“4. When Inspector Onuh Akor was gruesomely murdered at the Exit of Benin Airport by Obaseki thugs/militia Vigilante as confirmed by the Nigeria Police, why didn’t Agho Omobude and his group protest against Obaseki action??
“5. When Obaseki refused to inaugurate the 14 members of the House of Assembly that were elected under the APC, why didn’t Agho Omobude and his group protest against Obaseki’s undemocratic actions??
“6. When Obaseki was running the affairs of Edo State with 10 Members of the House of Assembly who were elected under the PDP as against the constitution of the Country, why didn’t Agho Omobude and his group protest against Obaseki’s undemocratic and barbaric action??
“7. When Obaseki proclaimed that Nigeria will burn if his anointed candidate, Asue Ighodalo didn’t win, why didn’t Agho Omobude and his group protest against Obaseki’s undemocratic and unguarded statement??
“8. When Obaseki refused to swear-in High Court Judges, why didn’t Agho Omobude and his group protest against Obaseki’s undemocratic action?
“9. Why the sudden and commando return of Agho Omobude at the peak of Edo Governorship elections as Co-ordinator General of Edo Civil Society Society Organisation (EDOSCO) even when he had served for two terms (8 years) which is a violation of the said Group constitution??”
The Ugbo led group consequently accused the Omobude group of working for Governor Godwin Obaseki, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its candidates; Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie.
“Therefore, in view of the puzzle we pose to Agho Omobude and his group, it is crystal clear that Agho Omobude is working for Obaseki and his anointed candidate; Asue Ighodalo.
“And we want to use this medium to remind Agho Omobude to note that he has over stayed his function as the Coordinator General of the Edo Civil Society (EDOSCO) group.
“And we hereby advise that Agho Omobude should immediately step aside to allow a capable person to take over the affairs of the group.”
The statement was jointly signed by Curtis Eghosa Ugbo Iyamu Osaro Culture; Barrister Saintmichael Eguaogie.
Other signatories were Comrade Dickson Igbinogun; Comrade Idris Zekeri; Comrade Imafidon Imadeyogie Stephen; and Comrade Isibor Terry Orobosa.
Reacting via the mobile phone, Omobude said; the people talking are not members of EDOCSO hence do not have the authority they claim.
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