Crusaderhotnews
Issued in Benin City @12:30pm on Friday, 19th July 2024.
The Rally for Peaceful Election expresses concern over the ugly turn of events as Candidates for the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election displays less concern for peace with emerging threats becoming more visible.
The Edo 2024 gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday 21st September, 2024 has attracted so much attention due to its peculiar nature. The level of interest due to the stand-alone election has made all eyes on the election. Series of activities that have been observed can best be described as red flags that are to be taken seriously.
With a clear understanding of the role of peace in this nature of election, the Rally for Peaceful Election in collaboration with Partners flagged off the Peace Campaign which was tagged “I Stand for Peace’ was held on 18th July, 2024 in Benin City. The Candidate or representatives of various political parties were duely invited; however, it was worrisome that while some parties kept mute over the invitations, others gave various excuses. This has left a question on our lips as to what is their message of peace? The Rally for Peaceful Election would not stop calling on them to demonstrate in words and action that their ambition is not worth the blood of any citizen.
On the above premise, it is on a very sad and worrisome note that the Rally for Peaceful Election totally condemn the activities that took place along Airport Road, around the exit gate a few moments after the Peace Campaign was flagged off in Benn City . It was very sad and unfortunate that it was reported that a policeman lost his life in the incident, while some other unconfirmed numbers of persons were injured.
The Rally for Peaceful Election have earlier called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force not to be silent, keep mute or turn a blind eye to any issue that may jeopardize peace in the forthcoming election. We also called for proactive measures to promptly address escalations such that can nip issues in the bud.
Rally for Peaceful Election therefore make the following demands:
1. That the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with other security Agencies investigate and make public the details of those responsible for the attack on the 18th July, 2024 around Benin Airport Exit gate.
2. That the Nigeria Police Force should tell the public what led to the death of the Police Officer whose wife has been made a widow and the children orphans.
3. That the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately summon All the Candidates and the deputies to a round table session to ascertain their readiness to allow a peaceful conduct of the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election.
4. That INEC should conduct consultative sessions with Stakeholders on how the citizens can be convinced the September 21st Governorship would be peaceful and encourage them to participate.
For the Rally for Peaceful Election:
Dr. Bright Onovokukor
Converner
Comr Annie Umoru
Co-Converner
Comr. Obasanmi Jude PhD
Co-Converner
0 Comments