The Talakawa Parliament, a right group in Nigeria has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of credible, transparent, free and fair governorship elections in Edo state in order to avoid any political crisis in the state
Addressing journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Wednesday, President of the Talakawas parliament, Marxist Kola Edokpayi who gave the admonition said security assurance would ensure the people cast their votes without intimidation.
He also called on the police to discharge their responsibilities in line with the provisions of the constitution and the Police Act by providing security for the voters during exercise.
Edokpayi who expressed worry over the proliferation of arms in the state, urged security agencies to “with immediate effect disarmed those with illegal possession of firearms.”
The president of the rights’ group cautioned those he described as desperate politicians to desist forthwith from fanning the embers and beating the tom tom of war.
According to him, “the politicians should take cognizance of the fact that power is transient. Election is not a declaration of war. let brotherly love continue.
“We don’t see any reason why arming the people with weapons to unleashed violence and mayhem in the 21st century.
“As critical stakeholders and advocate of peace and justice, it would amount to tomfoolery if we keep silent and mute in the midst of incipient political conflagration engulfing the State ahead of the poll,” Edokpayi added.
The Talakawas president admonished eligible voters to come out enmass to cast their vote on September 21.
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