President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have been asked to act swiftly ahead of impending chaos at the Edo State Local Government Secretariats on Monday, December 23.
Naija News understands that the ‘security alert’ was issued as the Chairmen of Local Government Councils in Edo State prepare to resume their duties on Monday, defying the recent suspension imposed by the Governor and the House of Assembly—an action deemed null and void by the Attorney General of the Federation and a High Court in Benin.
In a statement made available to this news platform on Sunday, the Nigeria Association for Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) expressed concern regarding the potential repercussions of continued silence of the President and the IGP.
According to NAFPOR, this silence poses a significant threat to democracy, particularly in light of the imminent resumption of the local government Chairmen.
It noted that it had uncovered serious threats to human life and property destruction instigated by individuals seeking to usurp the positions of the elected Chairmen who were unlawfully suspended.
NAFPOR said its findings indicate that the 18 Local Government Council Secretariats in Edo State may face arson on Monday morning unless President Tinubu, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector General of Police promptly issue a public statement to deter the ongoing mobilization of thugs at various Secretariats, aimed at obstructing the democratically elected Chairmen from fulfilling their responsibilities to the public.
NAFPOR also highlighted the alarming death threats circulating on various social media platforms against the Chairmen and their aides, who are set to resume their lawful duties.
They expressed their discontent with the Nigerian Police Force’s inaction during this crisis, noting that the delayed response of the Police in Rivers State contributed to the loss of life and the destruction of Local Government Council Secretariats, incidents that could have been averted.
Furthermore, the Attorney General of the Federation has characterized the actions taken by the Edo State House of Assembly and the Governor to terminate the Chairmen’s tenures as illegal, in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the autonomy of local councils.
“The Chairmen are set to resume office on Monday but as of now thugs have invaded the various local Government Council Secretariats to cause mayhem. The earlier the Inspector General of Police cautions these thugs against violent breakdown in Edo State, the better. We must build a proactive police system that is preventive and not reactive. Now that the crisis is brewing, it is the right time to stop it, not after the damage is done,” NAFPOR stated.
A statement issued today in Lagos by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Ufuoma Okiokpa, reads, “To sustain the relative peace across the nation, the Nigeria Association For Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police and the AGF to make adequate security arrangements across every local Government Council Secretariat across Edo State as Council Chairmen are set to resume office on Monday as ordered by a Benin High Court in order to avoid deaths and the burning down of government properties as thugs are already positioned across the councils to prevent the Chairmen from resumption.”
“The leadership of Nigeria security agencies are duty-bound to provide security for the democratically elected Council Chairmen to safeguard democracy and also warned political actors with subversive agenda not to set the State ablaze on Monday as was witnessed in Rivers State recently where council Secretariats were on fire.”
Gov Okpebholo’s Stance A Threat To Democratic Principles, Security Interests
NAFPOR further asserted that the current stance of the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, poses a threat to the nation’s democratic principles and security interests, and it must not be permitted to undermine the landmark Supreme Court ruling that granted autonomy to local governments nationwide.
The statement also warned against the actions of certain unpatriotic politicians in the state who are reportedly mobilizing thugs to instigate chaos at various local government council secretariats on Monday morning.
These politicians, according to NAFPOR, appear determined to employ undemocratic tactics to disrupt the democratic process in pursuit of their own interests, particularly regarding the organization of another local government election in violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The police are advised not to remain passive in the face of escalating tensions.
“The tension across the State is already creating insecurity in various quarters; the Police must take a public position by assuring citizens and council workers of security. Research reveals that some workers have travelled away from their local Government headquarters as the threats seem very intense. Oredo, Etsako East, Egor, Esan Central, Owan East and West, Akoko -Edo and Etsako West have already been submerged by thugs who are ready for mayhem and workers are already afraid to work, according to those in the various local governments,” the group stated.
The organization asserted that Nigeria’s democracy cannot remain stable when elected Council Chairmen are subjected to violence and unlawfully removed from their positions in violation of constitutional principles during a democratic era.
On Thursday, the EFCC summoned the Chairmen for questioning and cleared them of all allegations presented in a petition by the Governor to the EFCC.
“Should this impunity persist, other Governors will likely follow suit and unlawfully dismiss Council Chairmen from their roles, thereby rendering the Supreme Court ineffective, akin to a toothless dog that can only bark without the ability to act. The Nigerian Judiciary must uphold its rulings.
“Law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to implement the laws of the land to ensure overall peace and security throughout the nation,” the statement concluded.
