With just a few days to the September 21, 2024 governorship election, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki is threatening fire and brimstone, saying it is a do-or-die affair.
Obaseki is shouting to the rooftop to anyone who cares to listen that any attempt by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to rig the election coming up in less than a week's time would allegedly be met with "severe consequences, including loss of lives".
The governor, who issued the threat while speaking at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Ekemwan, said anything short of a free and fair election is unacceptable and would be fiercely resisted.
Obaseki's warning is going to further heat up the polity that is already charged as a result of the election that promises to be tense.
In an earlier report, Nigerdelta connect correspondent reported that in his rather elaborate address, Governor Obaseki said, “The person I took over from had no respect for our people, had no respect for women, encouraged prostitution and women trafficking.
“When I took over office our pensioners wore black on Labour Day buy today they wear white.
“When I took over office, our youths had no jobs, but today don’t they have jobs? After eight years, is Edo not one of the safest in Nigeria?
“This election is a do or die (affair), if they do, we will die. In a few day's time, vote for PDP to produce the next governor.”
Adding his voice to the warning against manipulating the election, former Vice President and the Peoples Democratic Party's candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar declared that Edo State is not Lagos, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) is able to manipulate elections.
He urged the electorate to safeguard their votes to avoid any rigging. According to him, “If you remember four years ago they threatened us, didn’t they do that? They said they won’t allow us to win in Edo State. But we showed them that Edo State no be Lagos.
“So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes.
“Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced, once you do that, no Jupiter will come and change your votes.
While it is the right of Governor Obaseki to advise the people of Edo, and particularly PDP's supporters, to protect and defend their votes, such should not degenerate to the level of issuing threats.
As he is issuing his threat, what will become of Edo State if the party or persons he is addressing match his threat with their threat? Won't Edo become a theatre of war? God forbid.
Governor Obaseki should be told that issuing threats of violence and death threats are punishable offenses in Nigeria. The Nigerian Criminal Code Act (Section 327) states very clearly that anyone who makes any threat to kill or cause bodily harm to another person is guilty of a felony and can be punished with imprisonment for up to seven years.
In whatever way or from whatever angle one wants to look at the statement of the Governor, it is reckless and Obaseki should be told so. As a matter of fact, he owes the good people of Edo State an apology. What the people of Edo need is a peaceful election where the best candidate emerges as the winner. No more, no less.
Meanwhile, a total of 16 parties will be fielding candidates for the September 21 off-cycle governorship election in Edo State but from every indication, it will be a three-horse race where Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) will be doing battle.
