President Tinubu, DSS, IGP Cautioned About Potential Chaos In Edo

President Tinubu, DSS, IGP Cautioned About Potential Chaos In Edo

President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have been urged to take immediate action in anticipation of possible…READ MORE…

chaos at the Edo State Local Government Secretariats on Monday, December 23. According to Naija News, this “security alert” comes as the Local Government Council Chairmen in Edo State prepare to resume their duties, defying a recent suspension imposed by the Governor and the House of Assembly—an action deemed null and void by both the Attorney General of the Federation and a Benin High Court.

In a statement shared with the media on Sunday, the Nigeria Association for Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) expressed concerns about the ramifications of continued inaction by the President and the IGP. They argued that such silence threatens democratic processes, especially considering the imminent return of the elected local government Chairmen.

NAFPOR highlighted serious threats to public safety and property destruction by individuals attempting to usurp the positions of the unlawfully suspended Chairmen. Their findings suggested a likelihood of arson at the 18 Local Government Council Secretariats in Edo State on Monday morning, unless President Tinubu, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the IGP quickly intervene with a public statement aimed at stopping the mobilization of thugs seeking to disrupt the democratically elected Chairmen’s return to office.

The organization also pointed to alarming death threats circulating on social media against the Chairmen and their aides who plan to resume their legitimate roles. They criticized the Nigerian Police Force for its inactivity during the crisis, recalling how a delayed response in Rivers State led to loss of life and destruction of Local Government facilities—situations that could have been prevented.

Additionally, the Attorney General has labeled the actions taken by the Edo State House of Assembly and the Governor to terminate the Chairmen’s tenures as illegal, citing the Supreme Court ruling that affirms the autonomy of local councils.

“The Chairmen are preparing to return to office on Monday; however, thugs have already infiltrated various Local Government Council Secretariats to instigate disorder. It is imperative that the Inspector General of Police takes action to prevent a violent outbreak in Edo State. We need a proactive police force that acts before crises escalate, rather than reacting afterward,” NAFPOR emphasized.

In a statement released today in Lagos by National Publicity Secretary Ufuoma Okiokpa, NAFPOR called upon President Tinubu, the IGP, and the Attorney General to establish adequate security measures across all Local Government Council Secretariats in Edo State. This is essential to ensure the safety of the Council Chairmen as they resume their roles, as ordered by the Benin High Court, and to avoid potential casualties and vandalism of government property, as thugs have already planned disruptions.

“The leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies has a duty to safeguard the democratically elected Council Chairmen to uphold democracy. Political actors with disruptive agendas must be warned not to incite chaos in the state, similar to the recent incidents in Rivers State where council secretariats were set ablaze,” NAFPOR stated.

The organization also criticized Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s current stance, asserting that it undermines democratic principles and security interests, and warned against actions by certain unpatriotic politicians accused of mobilizing thugs to create disorder at local government council secretariats on Monday morning.

According to NAFPOR, these politicians seem determined to use undemocratic means to obstruct the democratic process for their own interests, particularly regarding another local government election in violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The police are urged not to remain passive as tensions rise.

“The escalating tension across the state is already creating insecurity in many areas; the Police must publicly assure citizens and council workers of their safety. Research has shown that some workers have fled their local government headquarters due to intense threats. Areas such as Oredo, Etsako East, Egor, Esan Central, Owan East and West, Akoko-Edo, and Etsako West are already overrun by thugs ready to cause chaos, leaving workers fearful of returning to their posts,” the group reported.

They noted that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive when elected Council Chairmen face violence and are unlawfully ousted from their positions during a democratic period.

Recently, the EFCC summoned the Chairmen for questioning regarding allegations made by the Governor but cleared them of all accusations.

“If this impunity continues, it could set a dangerous precedent where other Governors might follow suit and unlawfully remove Council Chairmen from their positions, effectively disregarding the Supreme Court rulings and leaving it powerless. The Nigerian Judiciary must stand firm in upholding its decisions.

“Law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing the laws to ensure peace and security throughout the nation,” the statement concluded

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