Edo: Pending Tribunal’s Judgement, Govt Cautions Against Heating Polity With Fake Report

By Ayodele Oni

As parties in the petition relating to the  year 2024  Edo state’s Governorship election are awaiting judgement by the Tribunal, the State Government has cautioned against violence and heating the polity.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paul Ohonbamu, specifically called on the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP)  to refrain from  heating the polity with  the yet to be delivered judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal hearing the Edo State governorship election petitions in Abuja.

The Commissioner, in a statement in Benin City, stated that it has become necessary to desist from heating up the polity with their own  judgment before the delivery of the judgment of the three – member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi.

According to the Commissioner, “in a democratic system, the opposition plays a crucial role in providing a check on the ruling party and ensuring that the government is accountable to the people. However, this role must be fulfilled in a responsible and constructive manner.

“The Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a peaceful and purposeful driven administrator, who desires the best for Edo state and his administration will not condone any act that is likely to cause instability and insecurity of lives and property in the state.

“The heating up of the polity through inflammatory rhetoric or actions over the outcome of the tribunal judgment can have severe consequences, that can divide the state along party lines leading to social unrest and conflict.

“The inflammatory statements by the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) leadership and their supporters  can create an environment of uncertainty and fear, which can undermine economic growth and development, as well as undermining the credibility of institutions, such as the Judiciary.”

Government advised every one to remain calm and patient for the judgment without fanning embers of crisis from any quarter, and to engage in constructive criticism of government policies and programmes, focusing on the issues rather than embarking on vindictive attacks.

“The Governor, in his determination to restore the lost glory of the state, is prepared to work with development partners across political parties to find common ground that will be of immense benefit to the people of the state.

“Therefore every one should refrain from using language that can incite violence or hatred, but instead promote a message of unity and peace

“There is no doubt that the political developments in the state has generated reactions following the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo by the Edo  people, it is instructive to note however, that we must not allow some persons to set the state ablaze merely to satisfy their thirst for power and control.

“The inciting statements by some hired persons in the social media alleging attempts by Governor Okpebholo to interfere with the judgment of the tribunal is laughable because the Panel is expected to do the right thing and not to be stampeded to do otherwise.”