The Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, has raised concerns over violence that marred the governorship election campaigns in Edo state, even as he expressed fears that it could discourage voter participation in the forthcoming election.
Obaseki stated this, Monday, when he visited the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, in his office at the Force headquarters, Abuja.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Edo state Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and some members of the National Assembly, appreciated the Police boss for the support his administration has always enjoyed from the Nigeria Police.
Obaseki, who informed the IGP that the PDP had completed its campaigns in the 192 wards in the state, said one major issue the electorate raised concern over was the level of violence that marred the campaigns.
“We are here to thank the IGP for the support the Nigeria Police have always given to my administration. I wish to let you know that the intensive ward to ward campaigns are over and to appreciate you for the protection and cover from the police during the campaigns in the 192 wards of Edo state.
“Following the campaigns, one major issue that had the concerns of the citizens was fear of likely violence during the election.
“One of the reasons for apprehension is the case of violence in the last six weeks especially 10 significant incidents which has been giving then concern. All were attacks against the PDP and 80 per cent in Edo North.
“While violence or attacks are not new in campaigns but the concern is that despite the fact that these attacks were reported to the Police not one person has been prosecuted hence there is no deterrence for people not to take the law into their hands.
“I appeal that cases that have been reported that the public should see arrest and prosecution of those involved so that they believe that the Police will not seat back and allow violence during the election,” the governor stated.
He assured that the PDP as a party was committed to ensuring peaceful process because party faithful know the consequences of violence.
Obaseki appealed to the Police boss to communicate to all actors that the Nigeria Police would be impartial, fair, and strict in ensuring a free and fair election so that people would not be afraid to come out and vote.
Responding on his part, the IGP assured that the Police would not allow violence to continue in the state and warned that if it happens during the elections nobody involved would be spared.
The Police boss, who assured that the reported cases were being investigated, however, ordered the cases the governor referred to be transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation (FCID) for thorough investigation.