Government Warns Edo APC: Statewide Rally During Protests is Insensitive and Risky

The Edo State Government has expressed shock at what it described as the “insensitive decision” of the All-Progressives Congress, APC in the state to kick-start its state-wide rally on August 1, 2024, which coincided with the commencement of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests by the citizenry.

Accusing the APC of a resolve to orchestrate crisis in the state, the state government, in a statement on Wednesday signed by the commissioner or communication and orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, alleged that their plan is to cause a clash between their members and supporters, and the protesters, “and ultimately engineer a clash and blame the Edo State Security Network for any crisis” adding that “This is part of a larger plan to cause chaos in the state”.

Nehikhare regretted that “While all state governments and the Federal Government are adopting measures to resolve lingering issues to diffuse tension and restore normalcy, the Edo State chapter of the APC has decided on kicking off its state-wide rally across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

“The State Government frowns at this insensitive decision of the APC and warns the party to desist from taking this ignoble step to prevent avoidable chaos in the state”.

While therefore warning that should the APC go ahead with this “ill-timed rally” across the state and it eventually leads to disruption of public peace and destruction of property”, Nehikhare vowed that “the state would bring the full weight of the law on the perpetrators and ensure that those involved are brought to justice”.

According to the commissioner, “The state is still reeling from the pains of the mayhem orchestrated on Thursday, July 18, by thugs and supporters of the APC, which led to the death of a police officer.

“We call on the Police, the Department of State Security, (DSS) and other security agencies, to be on guard and ensure that these insidious plans are averted so as to maintain public peace and order in the best interest of the good people of Edo State”.

Nehikhare urged citizens “to be circumspect as they go about their lawful businesses as the government remains committed to engendering peace and progress in the state”.