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The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cited several reasons for not endorsing the peace agreement facilitated by the National Peace Committee, which was chaired by Nigeria’s former President, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
According to the PDP, police bias and a lack of trust in the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) were among its reasons for boycotting the peace pact.
Addressing journalists at the party secretariat on Thursday, the chairman of the PDP, Dr Tony Aziegbiemi, the governorship candidate of the party, Dr Asue Ighodalo, the Director General of the Asue Ogie Campaign Management Council, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and other leaders of the party asserted that many members of their party have been arrested and whisked to Abuja.
Aziegbiemi revealed that 16 members were facing harassment or had been detained for over six weeks, with six of them being considered fugitives.
He pointed out that it was clear that the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It stressed that in the course of preparations for the forthcoming governorship poll, the APC introduced unusual and concerning elements, particularly against the PDP, which is seen as unlikely to win in a free, fair, and peaceful election, which is the APC’s goal.
“That Party and its senior officials have openly boasted about their intention to deploy ‘Federal Might’ to ensure victory despite the will or wishes of the Edo people.
“The situation has subsequently degenerated into an all-out reign of terror where members of the APC are acting as pointers for effecting the illegal arrest and rendition of the said PDP members without charge,”Aziegbiemi.
He mentioned that the PDP would only agree to sign the agreement if there was an immediate and “unconditional” release of everyone currently held in illegal detention or all these individuals should be brought to a court with the authority to make decisions in a civilized manner, following all established constitutional procedures.
“The immediate redeployment of the current Edo State Commissioner of Police, the current Resident Electoral Commissioner REC, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and their replacement with persons who can exhibit fairness and balance in the performance of their functions and who do not have any links to the contending parties or vested interests in the process
“The immediate recall of any external Police Team/Squad from Abuja or any other location in Nigeria currently marauding in Edo State, illegally arresting perceived political opponents and creating undue tension in the State.
“An undertaking and commitment by the Nigeria Police and INEC to operate a level playing field without allowing themselves to become a private army at the behest of one of the contending parties,” the PDP chieftain noted.
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