The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria has cautioned the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against truncating the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21.
The group expressed concerns over alleged plans to use “Federal might” to intimidate other political parties and candidates, which 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,” said Victor Kalu, National Coordinator of the group.
Kalu argued that the detention of some members of the Edo State Security Corps by the police has further heightened concerns about potential bias in the election process. “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.”
The group called for the immediate release of detained members of the Edo State Security Corps, including Amos Tom Uduhagene and Kingsley Osahon, and 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’,” Kalu said.
The group appealed to the police authorities to live above board and stay on the course of fairness, equity, and justice, before, during, and after the elections. Kalu urged stakeholders, including President Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that there is no interference in the upcoming Edo State Governorship election.
“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,” Kalu said.
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