As a result of the political imbroglio in Edo State, the electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commision, INEC has threatened to take a decisive actions if there is a breakdown of law and order.
In consonance with INEC statement, a veteran journalist on Television Continental, TVC, Babajide Otitoju who features prominently on the station’s programme, ‘Journalists’ Hangout’ has called for restraint from APC and PDP towards a peaceful election in the state.
He stated;
I have my fears concerning Edo election. I pray my fears do not come to pass. It is worrisome that politicians would go to the extent they are going in our country. When you look at what is happening in Edo state, it is now by partisan polarity. It is no longer Oshiomole versus Obaseki. It is now PDP versus APC.
Let’s tell ourselves the truth because Obaseki has now gone to the PDP, and he has supports of his fellow governors. The contest has assumed a different dimension. Before now, all the 24 lawmakers that won the election were in APC. It was Obaseki that divided them by inaugurating some and refusing to inaugurate others.
We have a situation now where 17 of the lawmakers have decided to pitch their tent with candidate of APC. And 2 more may join these 17 making it 19 out of 24 lawmakers. He has 7 currently. It seems to be a festival of defection from Obaseki to side to Ize-Iyamu side.
I am worried because what I want is an Edo Assembly where everyone get inaugurated and do their work.
Remember the 17 lawmakers wrote to Antorney General of the Federation,
Abubakar Malami, appealing to him through their lawyer, West Idahosa to allow for the exercise of democracy. What had been done was the height of impunity. Senate too came with a motion urging him to do a fresh proclamation involving the committee of the whole house but the governor refused for reasons best known to him.
After the AGF got a copy of the letter from the 17 lawmakers through their lawyer, he then approached the Inspector General of police to use his good office to ensure that democracy prevailed as it concerns the Edo House of Assembly. That was the genesis of what happened on Thursday.
Where the majority is is where the house is!
I would like to remind Nigerians what happened during Chuba Okadigbo tenure. Okadigbo took the maize to Ogbudike. But what did we see? Since his colleagues had made up their minds to remove him, he got something that looked a mess from them, put it on the table and proceeded to impeach him. And that impeachment was not reversed. That is a symbol”.