Category: Edo 2020
PHOTOS: Voters, INEC officials at Eguare Primary School, Ekpoma
PHOTOS: Voters at Obaseki’s polling unit
Police restrict govs, VIPs to hotels
•PDP raises the alarm over Wike, others’ safety
•Police: Measures affect all parties in the election
•Oshiomhole, Shuaibu row over alleged house arrest bid
•APC, PDP trade allegations over plot to rig poll
Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu ,Benin/Okodili Ndidi/Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
GOVERNORS and other very important personalities (VIPs) who have converged on Benin ahead of today’s governorship election in Edo State will not be allowed the luxury of moving about during voting.
It is part of the measures put in place by the security agencies to prevent manipulation of the voting process.
The move, however, appears not to have gone down well with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which accused security agencies of harassing and threatening the lives of its governors who had gathered in Benin ahead of the poll.
The verbal war between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the election also heightened with the PDP claiming that the immediate past national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was trying to instigate the arrest of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
Oshiomhole denied the allegation.
Although the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, did not specify the number of the party’s governors so harassed or their names, the chairman of the party in Rivers State, Akawor Desmond, was categorical that 300 policemen laid siege to the hotel where Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State lodged in Benin.
Secondus, at a press conference in Abuja, alleged clampdown on PDP governors by security agents in Benin ahead of the elections.
The party expressed shock that ‘security agents were detailed to surround the lodging of our governors to harass and intimidate them.”
It wondered why APC governors, “including the governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje; his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodima as well as the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, are left free in the comfort of the GRA, Benin residence of Comrade Oshiomhole.
The PDP said it considered “the siege as provocative and completely unacceptable, as there cannot be two sets of laws for the citizens of our nation.”
It added: “Inasmuch as the APC governors are given liberty to stay in Benin City, our governors will not allow themselves to be harassed or stampeded to leave the state.
“At any rate, we are confident that our governors will not allow themselves to be stampeded.”
Policemen lay siege to Wike’s lodge in Benin, Rivers PDP chair alleges
In a separate statement, Rivers State PDP Chairman, Akawor Desmond, alleged that more than 300 policemen on Friday night stormed Wike’s hotel in Benin with a view to forcing him out of town.
He said the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, would be held responsible should anything happen to the governor.
His words: “The attention of the entire people of Rivers State has been drawn to the siege laid to the hotel where the Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike is lodging while on official assignment in Benin, Edo State.
“Recall that Governor Wike was appointed Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo governorship election. This is the same position Governor Ganduje of Kano State occupies for his party, the APC.
“Governor Ganduje and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State are all in Benin, Edo State carrying out their assignment for the APC without any molestation or intimidation.
“And in a breach of the pledge they made, security agencies have decided to harass and intimidate Governor Wike who has not done any wrong.
“May I on behalf of the entire Rivers people warn that we shall hold the IGP responsible for anything that happens to our governor.”
Rivers State Information Commissioner Paulinus Nsirim said the people of Rivers State feared for the life of the governor in Benin City.
He said: “Rivers State Government rejects the siege on the hotel of Governor Nyesom Wike in Benin City. We are in a democracy. So, he should not be intimidated in view of the fact that he is the Chairman of the National Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Edo State’s September 19 governorship election.
“We are afraid for the life of Governor Wike, a very harmless citizen of Nigeria. Rivers people will not keep quiet. So, no harm must befall Governor Wike, who is a loyal and committed leader of PDP.”
Police sources said the siege was not meant to force Wike out of Edo State but to quarantine him since movement restriction would commence at 11:59 pm.
They claimed that operatives were also deployed to pin down other political gladiators to prevent them from moving around during voting hours.
Neither DIG Oyebade nor the Commissioner of Police (Election) Garba Umar could be reached on the phone for reaction.
Also, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edo State Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, did not pick several calls made to his mobile phones at the time of this report.
Wike, at a meeting with PDP leaders in Edo State on Thursday, had warned them to put everything into today’s election because “God forbid that APC wins. If they do, all of you here would have failed because your political life will be in jeopardy.”
How FG barred Amaechi, Oshiomhole from Ekiti in 2014
Agents of the then PDP-controlled federal government in June 2014 prevented some governors of the APC from entering Ekiti State for a rally by their party ahead of that year’s governorship election.
The APC governors who were to join other party stakeholders for the Ado-Ekiti rally on the last day of campaigning were physically stopped from entering the state.
The helicopter that was to ferry then Governor Oshiomhole from Benin to Ado-Ekiti was refused permission to take off from the Benin Airport.
The plane carrying then Governor Amaechi actually landed in Akure but his convoy was stopped at the border between Ondo and Ekiti states and ordered to turn back.
While Amaechi’s convoy was being detained in order to force him to turn back, the convoys of the then Ministers of Defence and Police Affairs were allowed to pass.
APC chieftains, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who succeeded in making the trip to Ekiti through Akure airport, were denied the opportunity to fly back and were compelled to return by road.
The PDP candidate in the election, Ayodele Fayose, went on to beat the then incumbent, Kayode Fayemi of the APC.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State had a similar experience in Awka, Anambra State in 2014 when he went to lend support to the APC governorship candidate in that year’s election in the state, Dr. Chris Ngige.
Security officials invaded Finotel Hotel where he lodged and refused to let him leave the premises.
El-Rufai, who was not governor at the time, blamed his ordeal on Mr. Peter Obi who was governor of Anambra State at the time.
“Peter Obi… was widely quoted on national television that the SSS was right to detain me for 48 hours in an hotel in 2014 on the grounds that ‘El-Rufai has no business being in Anambra State as it is not Katsina State!’ I sued the SSS and was awarded N4m damages,” El-Rufai said on Twitter four years later.
Oshiomhole wants me arrested, says Shaibu
The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Waziri Mohammed, yesterday dismissed speculations that the state’s Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu was arrested by the agency ahead of today’s election.
The rumour was that Shaibu had been put under house arrest by the DSS over alleged thumb-printed ballot papers and arms and ammunition found in his house at his Jattu hometown in Etsako West Local Government Area in Edo North Senatorial District.
“This is false. Kindly disregard it please,” Mohammed said when he was contacted on the speculations.
Shaibu, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Benjamin Atu, accused Oshiomhole of plotting to use federal might to arrest him.
Aku said: “Comrade Shaibu has not been arrested, but we are aware of an ongoing plan to arrest him over unfounded lies so that Comrade Oshiomhole and his cohorts will have the freedom to rig the Edo North Senatorial District’s election.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has kicked against rigging the election in Edo State, promising to congratulate whoever emerges as the winner. But Comrade Oshiomhole and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (Edo APC’s governorship candidate), who felt betrayed by the President’s statement, decided to use the back door to arrest Edo deputy governor in the name of illegal possession of arms. It is a lie from the pit of hell.
“Comrade Shaibu has been in active politics since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, and he has never been linked to issue of arms deal. How can the allegations be levelled against him less than 24 hours to the Edo governorship election?
“I want to assure you that Comrade Shaibu cannot be arrested, because the people of Edo State will resist it. Comrade Oshiomhole is planning to create unrest in the state on election day by his attempt to use the DSS to arrest the deputy governor.”
Oshiomhole, through his media aide, Victor Oshioke, said he had nothing to do with any plot to arrest the deputy governor.
He said: “Shaibu is suffering from nervousness and panic, because campaigns have ended and he knows that Edo residents will reject him and Obaseki on September 19.
“The security agencies are doing their job professionally. Comrade Oshiomhole will not interfere with their job. If they have credible information that Edo deputy governor is arming thugs, they do not need permission from Comrade Oshiomhole to take any action they feel appropriate in the circumstance.
“The immunity of Obaseki and Shaibu will end on November 12, 2020 and they will account for all the atrocities they committed while in office.
“Comrade Oshiomhole has no time for Shaibu. So, let him face his problems and leave Comrade Oshiomhole alone.”
The ex-governor of Edo state (Oshiomhole) also stated that his attention was focused on today’s election and he would not be distracted by Shaibu’s panic.
We’ll rise to the occasion, INEC reassures Edo voters
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday renewed its pledge to rise to the occasion by conducting a credible election today that will meet global standard.
National Chairman of the commission, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, said all eyes are on the Commission to conduct a free and fair election.
He said: “As we begin the final countdown to the Edo governorship election, it is clear that all eyes are on the Independent National Electoral Commission to deliver a free, fair and credible process.
“I have no doubt that our staff members will rise to the occasion. We have done it several times before and we can do it again. The Commission deeply appreciates the never ending sacrifices made by our staff at all times, often beyond the call of duty, to ensure that we carry out our mandate. The management will continue to improve the welfare and conditions of service of staff within the available resources.
“Let me appeal to all of you to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of the Commission. Nigerians and the international community expect so much from us. They are watching. It is important that we all remain above board in the performance of our respective duties.
“We must ensure that no political party or candidate is accorded any advantage over the other. We must be neutral at all times and stick strictly to our Code of Conduct and Oath of Neutrality to which we have all subscribed.
“For, at the end of the day, we would have all contributed to the sustenance of democracy and a strong electoral process that all Nigerians can trust.”
Edo: We’ll ensure policemen operate within established rules – PSC
Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has said they will checkmate the conduct of policemen deployed for the Edo governorship election and ensure they operate within established rules.
According to a statement issued by the Head, Press and Public Relations unit of the Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, they were Edo State to monitor the conduct of police officers on electoral duties to ensure that the nation’s democracy is deepened ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“The Commission notes that the police, the lead agency in election and internal security, have a great role to play to ensure the success of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.
“The Commission believes that if the police gets it right and ensures that the people of Edo State enjoy unhindered and peaceful exercise of their voting rights in an atmosphere that is free of intimidation, fear and terror, the election will be a huge success.
“Austin Braimoh, a commissioner in the Commission, representing the South-south Zone of the country and leading the Commission’s delegation in Edo, said the PSC monitors were in Edo to ensure that police officers play by the rules.
“Mr. Braimoh said the Commission is constitutionally empowered to discipline and exercise disciplinary control over all police officers except the Inspector General.
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He noted that the PSC Monitors were in Edo State with a check list on how the police officers on election duty should conduct themselves.
“We are going to checkmate their conduct and ensure they operate within established rules,” he said.
He also said the Commission would commend officers found to have discharged their duties meritoriously.
He said: “We are here with the carrot and the stick, and we will ensure the police get it right ahead of 2023.
“Meanwhile the Commission will also be participating in the Situation Rooms for the Edo governorship election.
“The Commission also took part in the INEC meeting with election observers in the state held on Thursday, September 17, 2020.
“The PSC monitors will cover the three Senatorial zones of the state.”
PDP alleges siege on Wike in Edo
Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged over 300 policemen on Friday night stormed the hotel where Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, lodged in Benin City to force him out of Edo State.
Wike, who is chairman, PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election, was said to have lodged at Best Western Hotel in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of the state capital.
It was alleged the policemen were led by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Adeleye Oyebade and arrived the hotel premises around 7pm.
Condemning the alleged siege on Wike, Rivers PDP Chairman, Akawor Desmond, said the Inspector General of Police (IG) Mohammed Adamu would be held responsible should anything happen to their Governor.
He wrote: “The attention of the entire people of Rivers State has been drawn to the siege laid at the Hotel where the Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike is lodging while on official assignment in Benin, Edo State.
“Recall that Governor Wike was appointed Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election; this is same position Governor Ganduje of Kano State occupies for his party the APC.
“Governor Ganduje and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State are all in Benin, Edo State carrying out their assignment for the APC without any molestation or intimidation.
“And in a breach of the pledge they made security agencies have decided to harass and intimidate Governor Wike who has not done any wrong.
Read Also: Wike redeems N30m bounty on Bobosky
“May I on behalf of entire Rivers People Warn that we shall hold the IGP responsible for anything that happens to our Governor.
Rivers Commissioner for Information, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, said they were afraid for the life of the governor in Benin City.
He said: “Rivers State Government rejects the siege on the hotel of Governor Nyesom Wike in Benin City. We are in a democracy.
“So, he should not be intimidated, in view of the fact that he is the Chairman of the National Campaign Council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Edo State’s September 19 governorship election.
“We are afraid for the life of Governor Wike, a very harmless citizen of Nigeria. Rivers people will not keep quiet. So, no harm must befall Governor Wike, who is a loyal and committed leader of PDP.”
However, the spokesman for the PDP in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare told our reporter he was in his village and not aware of the siege, adding “you can go to his hotel to find out.”
Police sources hinted the siege was not to force Wike out of Edo State but to quarantine him since movement restriction would commence at 11:59pm.
They claimed that operatives were also deployed to pin down other political gladiators to prevent them from moving around during voting hours.
Neither DIG Oyebade nor the Commissioner of Police (Election) Garba Umar could be reached on phone for reaction.
Also, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Edo State Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, did not pick several calls as at the time of filing this report.
‘How to conduct credible poll’
By Emmanuel Oladesu
The Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) on Thursday listed the conditions for a free and fair governorship election in Edo State.
Its national coordinator, Temitope Shaba and spokesman, Ayodele Adewale, told reporters in Benin-city, the state capital that the exercise will be peaceful and credible if participants play by the rules of the game.
CODER is an accredited CSOs for the Edo poll. It has been monitoring political developments in the state, particularly the trend of violence, vandalism or destruction of property associated with candidates, stock piling of small arms and light weapons and recruitment of armed thugs or militia groups.
Shaba hailed the intervention of the Oba of Benin and the peace accord signed by candidates.
He appealed to political actors in the two dominant political parties to sue for peace and allow the people to speak through the ballot.
Shaba said:”The Nigeria Police Force and other security personnel on election duty must maintain their neutrality and be ready to arrest anyone that commits electoral offence.
“INEC on the other hand must be seen to play its role as an unbiased umpire in the entire process to increase people’s confidence and trust in both the electoral process and the electoral management body.”
Edo: Buhari warns against violence, rigging of poll
By Bolaji Ogundele and Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
- APC preaches peace as PDP protests
- INEC promises fairness
- Tight security in state
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday reiterated his commitment to credible elections.
He warned against violence and lack of fairness in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are the leading candidates. Twelve others are also contesting.
The stakes are high given the fierce contest.
The President warned electoral officials and security agents to be neutral while carrying out their duties.
He also warned political parties and politicians to behave responsibly as they go into the election.
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The President, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he is committed to bequeathing the culture of free and fair elections. He said, however, that, the activities of those on the field would go a long way to determine outcomes.
In a message to voters, political parties, election officials and security personnel, the President reiterated his stance.
He said that: “I am passionately committed to free and fair elections, but my own commitment is not enough if other actors at ground zero refuse to abide by the rules.
“I want to see democratic standards in the country raised higher at every level, but these cannot be achieved when politicians resort to do or die methods to gain power by any means or machination.
“The do-or-die mentality to politics is a threat to free and fair elections because the actors are more focused on winning than caring about a fair outcome that reflects the Will of the people.”
Buhari appealed to political parties and their candidates to behave peacefully and respect law and order. He also advised election officials and security agents “to remain neutral to ensure free and fair elections and avoid any action(s) capable of compromising the integrity of the elections.”
He said: “Conducting free and fair elections is one of my main concerns for our democracy, and I want this commitment to be one of the legacies I will leave behind when I depart office.”
The 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin, released two help lines for the public to report untowards activities.
The Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Maj. Ojo Adenegan, made in a statement gave the telephone numbers as 08079831567 and 08079839190.
He said the telephone lines would be operational round the clock.
Also on Thursday, the Police Service Commission (PSC) cautioned police officers and men to operate within the law or face sanctions.
The commission has already deployed a high powered team to monitor the conduct of policemen on electoral duties.
Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said the team is led by Rommy Mom, a Commissioner representing the Human Rights Organizations and Austin Braimoh, representing the Media.
The Commission has also released dedicated telephone numbers for complaints and commendation on the conduct of Police during the poll.
Wike to Buhari: make Edo poll a model
By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to make Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State a model.
Wike, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Campaign Council for the poll, spoke during a live television programme in Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, quoted the governor as saying that the outcome of the election would provide hope for 2023 general election.
He said: “Everyone that loves this country should ensure that tomorrow’s election is credible, free and fair.
“The police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should show Nigerians that they can support credible elections.
“INEC should ensure that result sheets are not in the hands of individuals. Security agencies should not whisk away collation officers and later bring them back with cooked results.
“Manipulation of the electoral process causes violence. No politician will cause violence if the police and INEC do not compromise.”
Wike said there would be a high turnout of voters tomorrow because the people were prepared to end ‘godfatherism’.
He said he carried out an independent assessment of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s achievements and was satisfied that he would win the election convincingly.
The Rivers governor said no amount of money or intimidation would make the people not to vote massively for Obaseki.
He enjoined the people to be vigilant and protect their votes “because enemies of the state are planning to truncate your will.”
“The agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is to win at all cost, for us to go to the tribunal. This is why Edo people must be vigilant.
“I hail the United States and the United Kingdom for the visa ban placed on election riggers.
“They should publish their names so that a lot of things will change in our electoral process.
“Election rigging is worse than armed robbery. So whatever sanctions that can be imposed will be welcomed by the PDP,” Wike said.