Gabriel Enogholase
20 March 2008
Lagos — AS the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal gives its judgment today in the petition filed by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole challenging the election of Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, the police have deployed over 3,000 men in Benin City to maintain law and order.
Besides, not fewer than 20 armoured personnel carriers were brought to the state police command yesterday preparatory to today's judgment.
Vanguard investigation revealed that the armoured personnel carriers along with several motorcades of riot policemen were seen patrolling round the state capital to display their strength.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Dega, in a press conference earlier in the week warned that the police would be ruthless with anyone that took the laws into his hands after the tribunal's verdict.
However the Nigerians United for Democracy (NUD) has condemned the siege on the city by security agencies and the subsequent attempt to clamp down on the rights of the people to free movement and freedom of expression.
Acting State Chairman of the group, Mr. Enohuwa Obamwonyi, told newsmen yesterday that while the people should be law-abiding and not involved in rioting, "they should not be deprived of their constitutional right to express themselves".
"The people of Edo State should not be intimidated by the deployment of security agents. The duty of the security agents is to protect life and property."
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