Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned Thursday’s police invasion of the Edo state House of Assembly.
Describing the invasion as illegal, the governors said the action was meant to give cover to the unlawful and unconstitutional acts allegedly hatched by some “former members-elect” of the Assembly.
The governors, in a statement issued on Friday under the aegis of the PDP Governors Forum, also condemned the swearing-in of some members-elect and the subsequent election of new presiding officers in a private residence without the legitimate Assembly officials as required by law.
The statement, signed by the Director General of the Forum, Cyril Maduabum, said the action was the height of political brigandage and desperation.
“Why are the perpetrators of this illegal and unlawful activity afraid of facing the electorate in a free and fair election?. Why are they afraid of the giant strides and impressive performance of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki?”, the Forum queried.
The governors warned that any attempt to effect an unconstitutional take over of either legislative or executive power in Edo State will lead to unpleasant consequences far beyond the shores of Edo State.
They appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to caution the security agencies to remain neutral and even handed in Edo State and not to lend their authority to unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional acts of “a desperate gang of power mongers”.
“We consequently request an emergency meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to deal with the increasing unconstitutional use of the police authorities for partisan politics.
“We call on the people of Edo State to remain vigilant but peaceful in resisting any attempt to desecrate democracy and constitutionalism in Edo State by the APC and their supporters.
“Finally, we request the security agencies to re-strategise and concentrate on the emergent threats to national security currently being experienced in many parts of the country in increased rural and urban banditry, Boko Haram insurgency and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians.
“Nigerians deserve the full concentration of Mr President and the Armed Forces and police in order to quell this monster.”
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