Press Briefing by Coalition of Civil Society Leaders and Practitioners

By Saviour Jimoh Alabi

A coalition of civil society leaders and practitioners in Edo State, have expressed concerns ahead of the Edo state governorship election slated for Saturday this week.

The group questioned the motives of Agho Omobude and his group, who recently protested against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police, demanding neutrality during the election.

The coalition posed several questions to Omobude’s group, citing instances where they allegedly failed to protest against Governor Godwin Obaseki’s undemocratic actions, including:

• Manipulation of the 2023 House of Assembly elections.
• Rigging of Local Government Councils election.
• Prevention of Palace Chiefs, Women, and Youths from accessing the High Court premises.
• Refusal to inaugurate 14 elected House of Assembly members.
• Running the state with 10 PDP members against the constitutional provisions.
• Threats of violence if his anointed candidate loses election.
• Refusal to swear-in High Court Judges, amongst others.

The coalition accused Omobude of working for Obaseki and his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and demanded that he step aside as Coordinator General of the Edo Civil Society Organisation (EDOCSO) group due to overstaying his term.

Members present at the briefing included Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, Barrister Saint Michael Eguaogie, Comrade Dickson Igbinogun, Comrade Idris Zekeri, Comrade Imafidon Imadeyogie Stephen, and Comrade Isibor Terry Orobosa.