In an attempt to scare attorneys and judges from performing official duties, the Edo State Government stated on Sunday that the All Progressives Congress and the Labour Party were organizing protests to besiege the Benin High Court on Monday. Crusoe Osagie, the governor’s special advisor on media projects, and Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for communication and orientation for Edo State, cautioned against any effort toward bringing about peace in the state while briefing reporters in Benin.
The two declared that the APC and Labour Party leaders would not be allowed to incite unrest in the state or be tolerated by the government. Nehikhare issued a warning to parents and guardians to prevent their wards and youngsters from being used as props for violence, stating that the state government would not allow thugs to intimidate judges and attorneys on Monday by congregating or playing matches in the court.
“The government is aware that some unscrupulous politicians are behind the plan to sponsor violence with the aim of disrupting the peace in the State to score cheap political points.
“We call on youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used to perpetuate violence and cause crisis in the state.
“We urge all law-abiding citizens to reject and ignore any calls to disrupt the peace in the state and to refrain from engaging in any actions that could jeopardize public order. It is only through respect for the law and due process, we can ensure a just and orderly society for all,” he said.
Osagie, for his part, urged security services to remain vigilant and stated that the government would stop at nothing to guarantee that anyone seen demonstrating against the court system faces justice.
Osagie urged the people of Edo State to turn out in large numbers on September 21 for the governorship election in support of PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo in order to maintain the gains made by the PDP government over the previous seven years. He pointed out that the state has advanced significantly under the direction of the Obaseki-led administration.
“On the fear that the opposition parties have planned to protest against the senseless dragging of the Benin Royal Palace to court by some Enigies, with Obaseki’s support,” stated Orobosa Omo-Ojo, the Director of Publicity for the APC Edo Governorship Campaign Council, in response to the alleged protest. “We will emphatically want to put on record that the Oba of Benin is father to all responsible Edo sons and daughters, and the PDP should therefore not single out the APC if indeed a protest is in the works.”
“Truth be told, there is no amount of lies and cheap propaganda that will prevent PDP from being punished for the insensitivity of Obaseki in the last seven years plus.”
According to Sam Uruopa, the state’s LP publicity secretary, Olumide Akpata, the governorship candidate, and his running mate are attorneys who will not contest the court’s decisions.
He said that the allegation is spurious and that the PDP government in the state has lost touch with the people as well as looking for people to blame for its failures.
