Edo 2024: Lawyers Appeal For Transparent Governorship Election Process
As the Edo State governorship election approaches, lawyers in the state are calling for a transparent, peaceful, and credible process to ensure that the will of the people is respected.
Mr. Idemudia Iredia-Osifo, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin Branch, emphasised the need for heightened security and a neutral election process. He urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to personally oversee the election to guarantee that it is free from compromise and irregularities.
“We expect him [Egbetokun] to continue his good work and ensure a hitch-free process,” said Iredia-Osifo. He also called on the Presidency to maintain neutrality during the election and for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate its impartiality.
Other notable voices, such as Mr. Pius Oiwoh and Mrs. Violet Orumwese, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Edo Branch, joined in the call for a peaceful process. They emphasised the importance of voter inclusion, urging INEC to ensure that voting materials arrive promptly at polling centers and that citizens are not disenfranchised.
“INEC, the electoral umpire, must ensure that citizens are not disenfranchised, voting materials arrive early at polling centres, and votes are counted accurately,” Oiwoh stated.
Orumwese, a former NBA chairwoman in Edo, cautioned political parties against vote-buying and enticing voters with gifts, while affirming FIDA Edo’s role as an accredited election observer. “FIDA Edo has collaborated with other organisations to ensure women and girls’ well-being during voting are guaranteed,” she noted.
The legal community’s plea underscores the desire for a fair and transparent election in Edo State, with security agencies and INEC tasked with delivering a credible process.
