FILE PHOTO
THE Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) on Saturday expressed great concern about the coming governorship polls in Edo and Ondo states, saying indications were that the exercises could amount to “a journey back to 1983.”
The 1983 poll in old Ondo State in the Second Republic, contested by then-Governor Adekunle Ajasin of main opposition party, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and his former deputy, Mr Akin Omoboriowo of the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN), was rocked with violence, leaving many dead and others injured.
SMBLF expressed this worries in a short statement issued by one of its spokespersons, Mr Yinka Odumakin, recalling “the worrisome revelations from prophets, warning by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and an alleged directive by the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu, particularly on the ongoing political turmoil in Edo.
According to the leaders, prophets said God told them there would be bloodbath, while the electoral umpire said fear of violence might force it to cancel the polls, with international intelligence centres now spreading same fears of violence.
SMBLF also frowned on the instruction said to have been issued by Malami to Adamu to provide a shield for aggrieved lawmakers to take over leadership of the House of Assembly in Edo State, saying this act was akin to spreading fears in the minds of the people and could subsequently lead to a bloodbath.
“Prophets have said God told them there would be a bloodbath. INEC said the fear of violence might force it to cancel the polls. International intelligence centres are now spreading fears of violence. “The AGF asking IGP to shield self-help lawmakers weeks to the election is preparing violence and spreading it. It is a journey back to 1983,” the group said.
SMBLF, therefore, called on all security agencies in the country to ensure they discharge their duties dispassionately to sustain peace before, during and after elections in the two states.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
FACT CHECK: Did Zulum Celebrate Salah With Borno’s ‘Poorest’?
A viral message, which emanated from Whatsapp and was later posted on the Facebook page of a national newspaper, claimed that Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, celebrated Sallah with the poor citizens in the state…
Why The Colour Of #RevolutionNow Was Not Arab Spring-Red
THEY all happened almost simultaneously, as if in a choreography. On February 9, 2011, a huge crowd of protesters had gathered at the Tahir Square in Cairo, Egypt. Unruly, eyes dilating like pellets of ice immersed in mug-full Campari liquor, it was obvious that this was a crowd determined to change the status quo. They shouted anti-government slogans, calling for an end to oppression, economic adversities and collapse of the Arabian spirit in the Arab world…
The Marlian Gang: Lifestyles Of Youths Who Claim To Be Lawless, Lack Manners And Home Training
MUSIC and musicians through the ages have demonstrated the tendency to influence not only the present generation, but also the future generation. No wonder, decades after they might have gone, generations later are still inspired by them…
We Are Worried, Disappointed Over Edo Politics — US
THE United States on Friday said it was concerned with reports of the deteriorating political climate in Edo State. The US Mission in Nigeria, in a statement on its social media platforms, also said that it was disappointed with the role of some political actors in the state. The statement reads: “As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow political developments ahead of off-cycle elections in the country. The United States supports a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results, and does not favour any party or candidate…
Ize-Iyamu’s Corruption Case: PDP Guilty With Govs Fintiri, Mohammed Nominations ― Presidency
The Presidency has pushed back on the assertion by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that President Muhammadu Buhari’s endorsement of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who is facing corruption charges as the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the Edo State governorship election encourages corruption…
Under the provisions of international trade law, a tariff is a duty or tax imposed…
THREE months ago, when the people of Ekiti Central Senatorial District endorsed Governor Abiodun Oyebanji…
Marriage is more than just a romantic union, it's a partnership built on communication, mutual…
•Says CPC not marginalized Honourable Farouk Adamu Aliyu, a governorship candidate of the defunct Congress…
THE United Nations Children’s Fund has said Nigeria is the country with the highest burden…
FAMILY of the late Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse, has…
This website uses cookies.