Lagos — Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, yesterday, warned those planning to foment trouble during Saturday's governorship election in Edo State to have a rethink or they would be decisively dealt with.
While General Musa said during his visit to troops in Edo that there is no going back on making the election free, fair and credible, cautioning security personnel to be neutral and professional in their conduct, the Police, which have started covert operations in the state, deploying plainclothes personnel to dark spots, and NSCDC also spoke in like manner.
In an interview with Vanguard, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said DIG Frank Mba and DIG Daniel Pedro will lead about 35,000 Police personnel deployed to Edo for the poll.
He warned those not participating in the election to stay indoors because there will be no movement without the Permanent Voters Card, PVC, during the election.
This is coming on a day the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, airlifted election materials to Benin, with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, delivering sensitive election materials for the poll.
The materials, according to a tweet on INEC's X handle, arrived at Benin Airport earlier yesterday.
"Sensitive materials for the Edo State governorship election, holding on Saturday, September 21, 2024, arrived at Benin Airport earlier today," the commission tweeted, and restated its readiness for the polls, urging stakeholders to discharge their mandates creditably for the good of all.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has deployed 6,433 personnel and vowed to protect public assets during the exercise.
We want to have best election ever -- General Musa
Addressing troops at the headquarters of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, General Musa said: "We want to have the best election in Edo State, and we are ready. You have been briefed on what parts you are supposed to play, we are working as a team and we are all Nigerians here, nobody is more Nigerian than the other person.
"With other security forces, we are going to work together as a team: the police, the civil defence, DSS and all the others. We know the election has a lot of issues, there are a lot of expectations and we want this election to go without any rancour. We don't want any disturbance, nobody should come and intimidate anybody.
"On election day, our duty is to ensure the election is free, fair and credible. INEC is the one conducting the election, the Nigerian police are the lead agency in security, so we must provide that security.
"We know the Armed Forces are the last hope of the nation, we cannot afford to fail ourselves or fail our nation. None of us will do anything that will put the Armed Forces in disrepute, I don't want to hear that it is the Armed Forces that has caused one problem here and there. No.
"Our goal is to provide security. No other agency in the name of vigilante, hunters or other names should carry arms. Only the statutory security agencies are allowed to carry arms and operate on that Saturday.
Election is not war
"Your commanders will show and direct you on what to do, we are restricting movement, no convoy movement, everybody should just walk to voting centres and go back. Election should not be a war, we don't want anybody injured, we don't want anybody killed.
"Anybody who decides to carry any weapon, whether cutlass, dane gun or any other thing, we must get that person. I want this election to be the best ever and we can make that happen, we made that possible in the last three states and this one will not be different.
"We have a task on Saturday, everybody in the world is watching what will happen in Edo on Saturday and you must not allow anybody to compromise you."
Plainclothes policemen flood Benin
To forestall any breakdown of law and order, plainclothes policemen from the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Special Investigation Bureau, SIB, and others have flooded Benin City, the state capital, ahead of the election.
Although Benin City looked calm, the plain-clothes policemen were sighted in several places as they visited dark spots, bars and lounges around the town.
A member of the department from the State Command confided in Vanguard that they were moving around to ensure security for all and a free and credible election.
"They have been around for about two days now but because more came to join them yesterday (Tuesday) that is why their presence has become more visible," he said.
How we'll police poll --FPPRO
Speaking on the readiness of the police for the election, the FPPRO, Adejobi said: "We are preparing for Edo election come September 21, 2024. We have done our deployments. We have two Deputy Inspectors General of Police in charge of the election process.
"We have DIG Frank Mba as the most senior person, who is the election DIG. And we have DIG Daniel Shokari Pedro, who is the DIG in-charge of South-South, covering Edo State.
"We have almost 35,000 police personnel to be assisted by additional 8,000 security operatives from other security agencies. We have made arrangements to protect sensitive and non-sensitive materials.
"We have made arrangements to protect all accredited observers, domestic observers and international observers, INEC officials, including ad hoc staff, the media, all those that have been accredited to monitor the electoral.
Edo CP is not in charge
"We have officers in charge, commissioners of police, DCs, ACs and various other officers in charge of WETs, local governments, territorial districts and the state. Edo State command is not the CP election. We have another CP election that is going to be in charge of this electoral process.
"We have done our deployment in line with the provisions of the operation order that has highlighted rules, engagements, standard operating procedures and overview.
"So we are very ready for this election. As the IGP said, we are going to be professional, impartial and discharge our duties as stated in the Electoral Act 2022.
"We are mindful of certain areas we need to torch-light and to have every deployment based on our threat analysis. This has been done too. We want to remind the people of Edo State that we are going to have restrictions of movement as from 6 a.m. of 21st September, that is Saturday election day, to 6 p.m. in the evening. We want to appeal to them to understand us and cooperate with us, be on the same page with us.
"For those who may want to traverse through Edo State, generally, who are not particulars in this process, they should be mindful because all the routes within Edo State will be blocked during this period of restriction of movement.
"We want eligible voters, particularly those that have their PVCs to go out and exercise their franchise, cast their votes and police their votes. For those who don't have PVC, you don't need to go out at all, just stay glued to your television stations and monitor live coverage of this process.
"For you to go out without PVC, you may be harassed or arrested by the police because you don't have a business being out there. Your PVC is your identity to move from your house to your polling unit but not to cover a very long distance.
"You may not be allowed to move and cover a very long distance during the restriction of movement time. So we have done all we should, all we think and we are hopeful. We are very optimistic that every individual, stakeholder will play his role according to the provisions of the law, so we can have a very smooth and seamless electoral process in Edo.
"We all want to have free, fair, and credible election in Edo. It's our collective responsibility to do that."
NAF airlifts poll materials to Benin
Disclosing the airlifting of poll materials to Benin, NAF Deputy Director Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, said the move was part of a broader effort to ensure timely and secured delivery of sensitive materials necessary for smooth conduct of the election.
He said the NAF and INEC collaboration was aimed at facilitating logistics and ensuring a peaceful election process in Edo.
Recalling that the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, recently, reiterated NAF's commitment to provide transportation for the swift movement of electoral materials, he said the airlift of election materials "is in fulfillment of NAF's constitutional responsibility of providing military aid to civil authority."
NSCDC deploys 6,433 personnel
Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, has deployed 6,433 officers and men for the Edo State governorship election.
Dr Audi, who charged them to remain disciplined, apolitical, and act professionally while on election duty, said the NSCDC has a vital role to play in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
He noted that the security of election materials, both sensitive and otherwise, was very vital for the operatives before, during and after the election.
National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, CSC Afolabi Babawale, in a statement, yesterday, said the NSCDC will deploy no fewer than 300 operatives each from Ondo, Delta, Kogi, Osun, Imo and Enugu Commands, stating that Edo State Command has about 3,626 officers on the ground for the election while Rivers and Bayelsa State Commands will draft in 400 and 350 personnel respectively.
Also, 607 Special Forces would be deployed from the National Headquarters, which comprises the Commandant General's Special Intelligence Squad, Special Female Squad, Anti Vandal Squad, Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive Unit, while Kennel ( K9) Unit has also been mobilized for the election.
The Commandant General also directed the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations; DCG Philip Ayuba, to ensure overall supervision, monitoring and effective coordination of the deployed personnel before, during and after the elections
Quoting the CG, the statement said; "Our deployment for the Edo Governorship Election will cover all nooks and crannies, including flash points. Since we do not have a general election, we have enough personnel to deploy across Wards, Polling units, Collation centres, INEC offices and other areas.
"All Personnel deployed are to work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the election; the special forces and Anti-vandal squad are to ensure the protection of government facilities and infrastructure with more attention paid to the identified flash-points and volatile areas. Notably, the undercover officers have been deployed a few days before the election to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and provide up-to-date intelligence reports and real-time security situations from all the 18 local governments in Edo State.
"Let me use this opportunity to enjoin politicians not to heat the polity unnecessarily. You are also advised to shun all forms of violence, thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes and any other form of electoral malpractices that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.
"It is very vital to also warn in strong terms that parents and guardians should keep their children from being used as instruments of violence or being sponsored by desperate politicians to cause mayhem and electoral violence as those arrested would be charged accordingly in compliance with the extant laws."
Court restrains IG, CP from arresting, intimidating 68 PDP members
Ahead of the poll, an Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, has restrained the Inspector General of Police, Edo State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Angbasah, and Edo APC chairman, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, from arresting 68 PDP chieftains and members in the state.
The applicants include Murkhtar Yusuf-Osagie, Odion Olaye, Atine Edosanwan, Kingsley Osagui, Eric Osayande, Tom Obaseki, Solomon Obomigie, Dickson Ahonsi, Louis Imhandegbelo, Paul Onosedebalyoha.
Counsel to the PDP chieftains, J. Odibeli, had in an ex-parte application prayed the court to restrain the 1st -3rd respondents either by themselves, their servants, privies, or agents from harassing, intimidating, arresting/detaining the applicants, pending the hearing of the substantive application for the enforcement of their fundamental rights.
He prayed the court to any further order(s) as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this case.
Trial judge, Justice Igho Braimoh, in his ruling, said: "The court having heard J.1. Odibeli for the applicants, ordered as follows, I hereby make an order of interim injunction, restraining the 1st to 3rd respondents, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Edo State, Ibrahim Angbasah, and Mr.
Jarrett Tenebe (APC Chairman Edo State), either by themselves, their servants, privies, or agents, a from harassing, intimidating, arresting/detaining the applicants, pending the hearing of the substantive application for the enforcement of their fundamental rights.
"This order will abate after 14 days. Adjourned to 26/09/2024 for the substantive application. This order be served on all the respondents," the court added.
PDP vows to resist illegal arrests, detention of members
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has vowed to support the people of Edo State in their legal quest to resist the constant harassment, intimidation and indiscriminate arrest of its members across the state, by Policemen attached to the Inspector General of Police Response Team.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, said this at a press conference, in Abuja, yesterday.
He said acts of irresponsibility should not be allowed to continue because the people of Edo State are not only prepared to vote, but are also prepared to protect their votes on Saturday.
Ologunagba tasked party supporters and Edo people interested in peace, security and progress to resist any attempt by anyone to deny them their constitutionally guaranteed rights to exercise their franchise.
He said:"We are telling our agents who are well trained to take photographs of the election results and ensure that they are uploaded on the INEC portal before leaving the polling unit.
"We also encourage voters to go to the polls with their food and water and ensure that they follow the process by ensuring that their votes are counted, collated and uploaded before they leave. The PDP has on several occasions alerted of how the APC is using some compromised Police operatives operating as IG Response Team and thugs imported from Imo and Kogi states to hound, arrest, detain and torture PDP members, supporters and other innocent citizens of Edo State on trumped up charges.
"Only yesterday, the APC compromised Police operatives attempted to abduct one of our members in Ikpoba in Benin City. The video is there for all to see.
"Our party has also been alerted that the APC has given fake police and military uniforms and dangerous weapons to their thugs to unleash violence on the people of Edo State on election day.
"These harassments, arrests and torture of PDP members and supporters are going on with the knowledge of the Edo State Commissioner of Police and the entreaties by the PDP to IGP to put such to an end have not received the desired attention.
"Against this backdrop, the PDP states in clear terms that our Party and the people of Edo State will not fold our hands and allow the APC to intimidate the people, subvert or rig the Saturday, September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election.
"The PDP and the people of Edo State are for peace but if the APC wants trouble, the PDP and the people of Edo State will use every legitimate weapon and means available in a democratic resistance to fight back, head-to-head and with overwhelming force to protect and ensure that nobody subverts the Will of the people at the poll.
"The PDP in very clear terms cautions that from henceforth any APC thug, fake or compromised security operatives that attempt to abduct any innocent citizen of Edo State, attempt to snatch ballot box or cause any crisis on election will know that Edo no be Kogi."
Voting APC'll worsen misery, hardship -- Atiku
Also former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has warned Edo citizens against voting for the APC Candidate in Saturday's governorship election, Senator Monday Okpebhelo, saying the APC had forsaken the ideals of governance, and ignored the cries of the common man.
Atiku made this known in a statement on his X handle on Wednesday titled: "The clear choice for a prosperous Edo State."
He urged the voters to reflect on "the power to break free from the chains of bad governance, the power to chart a new course for our beloved state," which lies in their votes, a precious tool for change, and use it against the APC.
His words: "The APC has donned the mask of a friend to the masses, but behind this veil lies a sinister reality. They have lured gullible voters with sweet promises, only to reveal their true nature-- a party driven by a hunger for power rather than the well-being of the people.
"They have forsaken the ideals of governance, ignoring the cries of the common man while pursuing their own selfish ambitions. Under their watch, Nigeria has been plunged into an abyss of suffering.
"They have sown seeds of poverty, despair, and insecurity. The once vibrant spirit of our nation has been dimmed by a relentless struggle for survival, where even the simplest of needs, like food, have become out of reach for millions.
"In this grim reality, our people are not dying of disease but of hunger. We stand at the lowest point in our nation's governance. The APC has not served the people; they have served themselves."
"But there is hope. In this dark landscape, Dr. Asue Ighodalo shines as a beacon of integrity and vision. His candidacy offers a path to redemption for Edo State. Where the APC has faltered, Ighodalo stands firm.
"People of Edo State, the time has come to use the power vested in you. As you go to the polls, ask yourself: Has the APC made your life better, or have they only deepened your struggles? The answer is clear.
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"Your vote for Ighodalo will not only bring change to Edo State but will also send a resounding message across Nigeria that we reject the deceit and self-serving ways of the APC."
Ituen tips Okpebholo for victory
Spiritual leader of Christ Deliverance Ministries, CDM, in Lagos, Prophet Ekong Ituen, has said Senator Okpebholo of the APC will win Saturday's election, saying nothing would save Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP from defeat.
In his revelation, Ituen said he saw Ighodalo crying for help because of a political gang-up, which signified defeat.
Ezomoh, ex-deputy speaker, others dump PDP for APC
Meanwhile, hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members in Owan West LGA of Edo State led by former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr Omoh Ezomon, have dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC, citing Governor Godwin Obaseki's alleged misrule, and failure to provide the dividends of democracy to the people as reasons for their defection.
"We have looked at the track record of Senator Monday Okpebholo and realized that he is prepared and ready to serve Edo State. He is a man of the people, a home boy that understands the feelings of the people. Therefore, I have resolved to move to the APC with my supporters to ensure a resounding victory for the APC on Saturday," he said.
In a letter addressed to the ward chairman of the PDP, Ezomoh said: "My decision to resign from the PDP with thousands of my supporters came after due consultations over recent events which have continued to expose the inordinate desire of the leadership of the PDP at all levels.
"As a foundation member of the PDP and one who was privileged to contest the State House of Assembly elections in 1999 and 2007, I feel pained that neophytes who are now in control of the party at the ward and local government levels would take joy at disrespecting my political credentials as a grassroots politician and pioneer three-time member of the Edo state House of Assembly where I rose to be deputy speaker."
Why Akpata is most qualified --Osaikhuiwu
Canvassing votes for Labour Party, LP, Candidate, Mr Olumide Akpata, a stakeholder in the state, Mr Nosa Osaikhuiwu, urged electorate not to vote for the PDP and APC, who he accused of under-developing Edo.
In a statement, he said: "The people of Edo State, aside from grappling with the current debilitating economic challenges, including hyperinflation and insecurity, are now faced with a monumental decision of electing the next governor of the state come September 21, 2024. There is no denying the fact that the state and its residents have been sojourners in economic and political wilderness where they have been subjected to undue poverty, power outage, lack of jobs, skyrocketing food prices, absence of good network of roads, and prevailing atmosphere of insecurity and lawlessness.
"The only choice for Edo State at this critical time to redress the injustices of the past and address all the challenges facing our beloved people are the LP and Olumide Akpata."
Obaseki's travails self-inflicted says Idahosa
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC, Mr. Charles Idahosa, yesterday, said that Governor Obaseki had been raising alarm of being intimidated because for the first time he was running an election alone haven discarded all the political leaders who had helped him politically since 2016.
Idahosa told journalists in an interview that the Obaseki's travails were self-inflicted
His words: "I need to put some clarification on what has been happening. Godwin Obaseki has been saying that he is being harassed, he is being intimidated and they are fighting him.
"He is facing an election for the first time on his own. All the leaders that have been working for him that brought him to power, he has abandoned all of them, that is what he is suffering; 90 per cent of the leaders that left with him from APC to PDP to return him as governor have left him. That is what you gain when you are a serial betrayal.
Accord party candidate reaffirms status
Less than 72 hours to the election, the candidate of the Accord, Dr. Bright Enabulele, has said that he remains the authentic candidate of the party and asked whoever is aggrieved to seek redress in the court.
He reaffirmed his candidacy while speaking with journalists in Benin City on Wednesday and said that the controversy of who the authentic candidate is between him and Kennedy Iyere, was an attempt to distract him from the bigger issue of the governance that had rendered the state post rate, assuring that he would not be drawn into that petty issue."
