Edo gov’norship election: EU election observers express concern

The representatives of the European Union (EU) and the British Council, have urged stakeholders in the rescheduled Edo State gubernatorial election to embrace peace.
Mr. Ben James, Political Counsel at the British High Commission and Mr Richard Young, Deputy Head of Delegation, EU, made the appeal yesterday during a courtesy visit on the governorship candidate of the APC, Dr. Godwin Obaseki, where they also called for increase in communication between the political actors, security agencies and the INEC.
According to James, “Our concern is that the elections on the 28th of September are held peacefully, conclusive and credible and that all the institutions, the parties, INEC, the police and other security agencies do everything they can to make sure the people of Edo can decide who the next governor would be.
“We members of the international community are very keen and sure that the 28th of September should be peaceful, free and fair and be supported.
“I think the important thing is that the institutions prepare themselves for the new date and tensions are coming down. There are some tensions we have seen them ourselves”, he said.
In his speech, Mr. Young noted that “it is important that the people respect leadership and the leadership preaches peace. Peace is very important that people realise that we build up to 28th, with peace in mind, and the election is held in a peaceful environment.
“We came here to discuss the postponement of the governorship election and to make a number of appeals for the increase contact with the political parties and INEC and the police and the security agencies. They should ensure that a careful ground is laid for the election to take place smoothly and calmly in a democratic and credible atmosphere on Wednesday 28th of September.
“The need to have a sense that good communication between all those different actors, political parties, INEC, Police and security services is paramount, to ensure that the election takes place smoothly and calmly in a peaceful manner on September 28.”
Responding, the APC governorship hopeful, Mr. Obaseki noted that “for them and me (EU and British Council), we are on the same page that whatever is required to have a peaceful election is what we ensure and insist on.”
He added that the postponement of the poll was certainly not convenient, as they have spent so much of time and money to prepare for it.
“It is not convenient, but that is where we have found ourselves. We are okay with it if that is going to protect lives and properties. We have to live with that no matter the inconvenience,” he said. The SUN