The Edo State Civil Society organizations (EDOCSO) has demanded accountability from stakeholders in the September 21 Edo governorship election, admonishing them not to rock the boat and rumble to self-destruct.
In a statement jointly signed by Leftist Omobude Agho, Coordinator General of EDOCSO and Secretary General of the group, Leftist Godspower Okumbor on Tuesday September 2nd 2024, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies not to compromise the sanctity of the ballot in the forthcoming election.
The statement, which was read by Leftist Agho, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to go after despotic cravings of vote buyers and vote sellers during the election and check other acts that could jeopardize hitch-free poll with the support of other security agencies in Edo.
The non-partisan group, specifically raised concern over the State of violence ahead of the election and demanded for a thorough investigation into
Senator Monday Okpebholo’s orderly, Inspector Akor Onu who was gunned down by gunmen near the exit gate of the Benin Airport in Benin. Police had said the victim, attached to Nigeria Mobile Police 45 Base in Abuja, was in the convoy of the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election accompanied by the reinstated State deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu when the tragedy occurred on July 18.
EDOCSO also called on security agencies to investigate the fatal attack on Samson Omoarebokhae, legislative aide to Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr Blessing Agbebaku by hoodlums on Saturday August 31st 2024 at Ozalla in Owan West Local Government Area of the State.
The leader of human Rights activists frowned at the alleged collection of (PVCs) by proxies and agents of political parties in some parts of the State, while lethargic politicians either wait in the wings or look on, a claim INEC had denied.
According to him, “We have also received credible reports of violence in some voters’ card collection Centres where armed thugs harassed, threatened and chased away voters they can’t confirm their political party’s loyalty.
“The incidents of collection of voter’s card by proxies or by political party’s agents have become a common practice with the assured conspiracy of INEC officials, while security agencies look the other way to the helplessness of patriotic citizens with genuine voting intentions”, he said.
The group highlighted other issues of concern, including the setting up 24 hour service Election Situation Room for prompt reports from its members across the 18 LGAs and members of the public for instant analysis, assessment and reporting, research, and documentation.
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