EDO 2024 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: NSA WARNS POLITICAL THUGS, INEC CAUTIONS AGAINST DIVISIVE RHETORIC.
_By Hon Desmond Ugbo_
As the Edo State governorship election approaches in September 2024, the Federal Government and National Security Adviser (NSA) has issued a stern warning to any individual or group planning to undermine the democratic process. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, made this known during the third regular quarterly consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Addressing the gathering, Ribadu made it clear that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to peace should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness. He stated that any attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the country’s democratic values, and the government would not hesitate to use every lawful means at its disposal to defend the integrity of the election.
“We want to reassure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful elections is unwavering. Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness. We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law,” Ribadu stated.
The warning from the Federal Government comes against the backdrop of the recent comments made by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, who allegedly threatened to “burn down Nigeria” if his political godson, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, did not win the election.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who also chairs the ICCES, cautioned political party spokespersons against engaging in divisive rhetoric during the electioneering campaigns. He urged them to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and refrain from making statements that could incite violence or disrupt the electoral process.
“Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric. For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections,” Yakubu said.
The INEC chairman also reminded the security agencies of the need to abide by the code of conduct and rules of engagement for personnel on electoral duty, ensuring that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, and polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.
The warning from the Federal Government and the caution from INEC underscore the importance of maintaining a peaceful and transparent electoral process in Edo State. As the state prepares for the upcoming gubernatorial election, all stakeholders are called upon to prioritize the integrity of the democratic process and put the interests of the people above personal or political agendas.
