Group condemns attacks on APC governorship candidate, Okpebholo
Ask IGP to investigate, prosecute perpetrators of the heinous act
By OGB Joseph, Abuja
A group, Unity Ambassadors Initiative has said it condemned the attack on the motorcade of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, who was on his way from Benin Airport last week Thursday by alleged members of Edo State Security Network and thugs loyal to Edo state government allegedly led by Francis Inegbeniki.
In a statement signed by its convener, Comrade Philip Martins Eghomare saying they call on the governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki to immediately produce the perpetrator of the attack so as to face prosecution.
He said: ” Elections are a fundamental part of our democratic process, and every citizen has the right to participate safely and freely without fear of harm. Violence and intimidation have no place in a healthy democracy. We urge all actors to model restraint, civility, and respect for the democratic process.
” Rather than resorting to violence, we encourage all political stakeholders to resolve conflicts through peaceful dialogue and to focus their efforts on putting forward their policy platforms and engaging voters. Ultimately, it is the will of the people, expressed through free and fair elections, that should determine the outcome – not the use of force or fear.
” The Edo State Government should uphold the rule of law and protecting the safety of all indigenes during this election period. We call on law enforcement to swiftly investigate and prosecute the people responsible for the death (insp. Akur Onuh) officers. And we implore all citizens to participate peacefully and with civility as we choose our next leaders (Governor).
” We are sending warning to the opposition party, that Edo state is not for sale but for all its indigenes. And the live of our candidate must not be tempered with, if such an urgly incidence occur again! It will not be taken lightly. We the Esan- central are strongly behind our illustrious son, Senator Monday Okpebholo, our incoming Governor by God’s grace.
” We are using this occasion to call on the IGP Kayode Egbetokun to swiftly investigate the incident that led to the killing of that gallant officer (insp. Akur Onuh), prosecute the perpetrator and justice must be served to serve as deterrent to other political thugs.
” We in unity ambassador call on the people of goodwill to come and exercise their civil right, President Abraham Lincoln once said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet. Therefore, i encourage us to come out emass without any fair or intimidation on September 21st and vote our senator Monday Okpebholo”, he noted.
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