KEY POINTS
- Anyaoku calls on Nigeria to provide free, fair election in Edo, Ondo.
- The Edo state government accuses those it described as ‘federal might’ of planning to expunge the governor, Godwin Obaseki’s security details.
- Police respond to such allegations, insisting that they have no intention of withdrawing security aides of the governor.
Speaking at a time when Nigeria is preparing for some crucial governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states the former Commonwealth Secretary-General and elder statesman, Chief Emeka Anyaoku has urged the Federal Government and its agencies to guarantee the polls’ transparency.
In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, Anyaoku stressed that the foreign community is observing the behavior of the elections and the result will determine Nigeria ’s position in the world.
Anyaoku said “The expectations of the people, the international community are that the Edo and Ondo governorship elections will be credible”.
According to The Vanguard, to this extent, he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders in the electoral process to come under these expectations by being transparent and neutral. The comments come at the heels of Edo’s election slated for September 21 and Ondo election on November 16.
The Nigerian elder stated that, the image and reputation of Nigeria across the globe depends on how she conducts her elections and therefore appealed to the government to do everything within its powers to respect all principles, rule of law, as well as the standard required internationally.
PDP accuses APC of plotting security containing Edo governorship election
However, the Edo State government has reported an alleged plan to withdraw security details attached to the governor, Godwin Obaseki as the election is scheduled for 21st of September.
The Commissioner for Communication, Chris Nehikhare, and Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie accused leaders of the All Progressives Congress APC of planning to rig the election through mobilization of militants and disguise security personnel to scare voters in the strategic areas for them to dump their votes.
Regarding these allegations, DIG Frank Mba refuted statements of removing Governor Obaseki’s security personnel saying that such intentions are non-existent.
However, he was quick to point out that like other polls, the governor’s security aides will not be present alongside him at the polling station.
The Edo government has beckoned on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and enforce the security agencies to safeguard voters, and to ensure free and fair election process.
This time it has also raised the political stakes and now diplomatic overtones have emerged from embassies and international bodies such as the European Union and the African Union to ensure that the election is fair and credible.
