Urgent Call for Relocation to Edo State After Governor Obaseki’s ‘Do or Die’ Election Threat – TrendyNewsReporters

Open Letter to Inspector General of Police: Urgent Request for Transfer to Edo State After Governor Obaseki’s ‘Do or Die’ Election Threat

Dear Inspector General of Police,

IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, Ph.D.,

Sir, we write to you today with the utmost respect for your unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and well-being of all Nigerians. Your esteemed leadership has continually demonstrated that the Nigerian Police Force, under your watch, is one of the most resolute institutions in the fight to protect democracy, maintain law and order and ensure the safety of its citizens.

We are on the brink of chaos in Edo State, following a disturbing and reckless statement made yesterday by the governor, Godwin Obaseki, at the mega PDP rally, where he announced to the audience that the upcoming gubernatorial election is a matter of “do or die”.

Such incendiary language from a sitting governor sends dangerous signals to the people of Edo, fueling fears of violence and intimidation. We cannot forget that this is not the first time Governor Obaseki has made such irresponsible comments. Just a few months ago, he threatened that “Nigeria would burn,” and now he is doubling down on that sentiment by effectively advocating violence in this election.

Sir, you are no stranger to situations where politicians attempt to use fear and coercion to undermine our democracy, and in such cases, your firm hand has always restored peace. Edo State desperately needs the same intervention now.

The governor’s recent actions, including his orchestrated withdrawal from the peace agreement signed in Benin City, signal his intention to completely ignore the democratic process. Edo people live in the shadow of a leader who has clearly stated his intention to sow division and unrest. It is worth noting that before the ban on the Edo State Security Network (ESN),

Governor Obaseki is said to have recruited over 11,000 individuals into this now banned security outfit. Although his plans have since been nixed, the potential ripple effects of such recruitment could have led to the kind of inflammatory rhetoric we see now, increasing tensions and raising the specter of violence. That is why, sir, we respectfully implore you to personally relocate to Edo State, if only for this critical week.

Your presence, Inspector General, would not only provide much-needed reassurance to the public, but would also send a strong message that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law. Your swift action in ensuring peace and order in Edo would be a testament to your dedication to upholding justice and defending democracy. We have absolute confidence in your ability to ensure the safety and security of our people, and Edo State is counting on you to avert the looming threat of violence and chaos that Governor Obaseki’s words have incited.

The good people of Edo are defenseless against the might of an aggressive and power-hungry government. They are citizens without weapons, hoping only for free and fair elections where their voices can be heard without fear of intimidation. You, sir, are their last hope. We appeal to your good office to deploy additional security personnel in the state, but more importantly, we urge you to temporarily relocate to Edo to personally supervise the security arrangements. Your intervention at this time will undoubtedly calm nerves and restore confidence in the electoral process.

Thank you for considering this urgent appeal.

Sign

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah,

Director of the APC New Media Directorate