The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria has called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure that no candidate in the upcoming Edo State Gubernatorial election is favored over others to guarantee a peaceful election.
The group expressed concern about the recent arbitrary arrests and detention of some members of the Edo State Security Corps by the Nigeria Police, especially in the lead-up to the governorship polls slated for September 21, 2024.
A statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Victor Kalu, and the National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha, emphasized that the creation of state security outfits is intended to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and help manage the often chaotic traffic situation across some states, including Edo State.
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“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 play a crucial role in determining the success or failure of our elections.
“If the Police Force, which is the custodian of our peace and security, is perceived to have taken sides with one of the parties to the election, the electorate may naturally resort to self-help, and such unprofessional conduct could lead to a breakdown of law and order in society,” the statement said.
The coalition noted that Edo State citizens are among the most enlightened electorate in the country and should be allowed to freely and fully exercise their right to vote for the candidate of their choice without hindrance.
The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, therefore, called on the Inspector General of Police and police authorities to immediately release members of the state security corps arrested and detained by the police in Edo State, including Amos Tom Uduhagene, a PUWOV personnel, and Kingsley Osahon, a councillor in Ward 10 of Esan North East Local Government Area, as well as two others who are staunch members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
“As a responsible civil society group committed to upholding the principles of equity, equality, fairness, and justice for all, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is our sacred duty to ensure that all persons, regardless of religion, political party, or ethnicity, are treated with fairness and justice.
“It is against this background that we appeal to the Police to ensure neutrality and maintain professionalism as we approach the governorship polls.
“This coalition is using this medium to appeal to the police authorities to uphold fairness, equity, and justice before, during, and after the elections.
“After a careful review and assessment of events in Edo State, our coalition, under the aegis of the Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, believes that the Nigeria Police should make conscious and deliberate efforts to ensure that the good people of Edo State are carried along by the police and all other security agencies to foster peace and security as we count down to September 21, 2024.
“The task of ensuring a free, fair, transparent, and credible election is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in our society, and it is a responsibility that is grounded in shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
The Nigeria Police must be at the forefront of actualizing our collective quest for a non-violent and trouble-free electoral process,” the statement noted.
The coalition also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that there is no interference in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election and to issue a directive to all those responsible for maintaining peace and decorum.
“Those who seek to create confusion and discord for personal gain must desist from using ordinary citizens for their selfish purposes.
The Network of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria appeals to all Edo State citizens and residents, and indeed all Nigerians across the political divide, to lay down their arms and follow the path of peace and decorum,” the statement added.
TheWitness