A civil rights group, under the aegis of Talakawas, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a credible, transparent, free, and fair governorship election in Edo State to avoid a political crisis in the state.
The group 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 and other stakeholders during the exercise.
The President of the Talakawas parliament, Kola Edokpayi, who disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Benin, said the provision of adequate security would ensure the people cast their votes without intimidation.
Edokpayi, who also expressed worry over the proliferation of arms in the state, urged security agencies to with immediate effect disarm those with illegal possession of firearms.
He also cautioned “desperate politicians” to desist forthwith from fanning the embers of discord and beating the drum of war.
He said, “The political class take cognizance of the fact that power is transient. The election is not a declaration of war. Let brotherly love continue.
“We don’t see any reason for arming the people with weapons to unleash violence and mayhem in the 21st century.
“As critical stakeholders and advocates of peace and justice, it would amount to tomfoolery if we keep silent in the midst of incipient political conflagration engulfing the state ahead of the poll,” Edokpayi added.
Edokpayi urged eligible voters with Permanent voter cards to come out en masse and cast their vote on September 21.
