Security operatives were heavily deployed during the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting, aimed at preventing a recurrence of the clashes between APC and PDP supporters that occurred during previous meetings. Speaking to newsmen during the tribunal sitting, APC chieftain, Kelly okungbowa, popularly known as “Ebo Stone,” called on the Inspector General of Police and the State Commissioner of Police to urge PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to rein in his supporters in order to avoid what he described as a looming breakdown of law and order and potential disruption of the tribunal’s proceedings.
Unga, a youth leader and member of the APC, emphasized that they were at the tribunal to show solidarity with their party and to advise their counterparts in the PDP that they are all one family, and that the peace of Edo State must be preserved. He stressed, “Edo is our state, and we do not want anything that would tarnish its reputation. The matter is already before the tribunal, and we should allow the judges to do their work for peace to reign.”
He revealed that they had received information that the same individuals who had caused disruptions in previous tribunal sittings were planning to do so again. Unga assured the public that the APC, despite being a peace-loving party, would not tolerate such disruptions. He added, “We want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Inspector General of Police, especially the Commissioner of Police, to ensure that PDP candidates speak to their supporters. We do not need violence; the tribunal is where the legal matters will be addressed, and we must allow the court to perform its duties.”
Unga further warned that any attempt by the opposition party to disrupt the tribunal’s proceedings or derail the process would be met with resistance. “We are here as party members to ensure that everyone respects the law and order. The matter is before the court, and we must allow the court to rule. At the end of the day, whatever decision comes from the court, we will accept it. But we do not want anyone coming to create problems in the court. The election has been held, the governor has been declared, and those who are dissatisfied should allow the legal process to unfold. Matters in court should not lead to violence. Whatever the law says, we will accept, but we will not allow anyone to disrupt the process,” he said.
The PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are challenging the results of the last governorship election, which declared Senator Monday as the state governor. Unga concluded by reaffirming the APC’s commitment to peace, unity, and the rule of law in Edo State. He made it clear that their presence at the tribunal was to ensure that the legal process is respected and upheld. for more details visit our youtube channel on vos tv https://youtu.be/xY1RdzEINlU https://youtu.be/xY1RdzEINlU
