Edo LG Secretariats Face Threat as NAFPOR Urges Tinubu, IGP, DSS to Act Swiftly
ABUJA/Nigeria: As tension mounts in Edo State, the Nigeria Association for Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) has issued a stark warning that local government council secretariats across the state could face violent attacks on Monday if urgent security measures are not implemented. The association has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene decisively to avert a potential breakdown of law and order.
The warning comes ahead of the resumption of local government council chairmen who were recently reinstated by a Benin High Court ruling that nullified their suspension by the Edo State Governor and House of Assembly. NAFPOR stated that intelligence gathered from their investigation indicates a high risk of violence, including threats to human lives and the destruction of property.
“Research has revealed that the 18 local government council secretariats in Edo State may be set ablaze on Monday morning if President Tinubu, the DSS, and the IGP do not immediately caution against the ongoing positioning of thugs across the secretariats,” the group warned.
NAFPOR cited death threats circulating on social media platforms targeting council chairmen and their aides, expressing dissatisfaction with the police’s silence on the matter. The group referenced similar incidents in Rivers State, where delayed police intervention resulted in loss of lives and damage to government properties.
According to NAFPOR, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has declared the suspension of the council chairmen unconstitutional, in line with a Supreme Court ruling that granted local government councils autonomy. However, reports indicate that thugs have taken over secretariats to block the chairmen’s return to office.
“The Inspector General of Police must act swiftly to prevent a violent breakdown of law and order in Edo State. Proactive policing is essential to stop the brewing crisis before it escalates,” the group stated.
In a press release signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ufuoma Okiokpa, NAFPOR called for immediate security measures across all local government council secretariats in the state. “To sustain the relative peace across the nation, President Tinubu, the IGP, and the AGF must ensure the protection of democratically elected council chairmen and government properties as ordered by the Benin High Court,” the statement read.
NAFPOR also criticized political actors allegedly orchestrating the unrest, warning them against employing undemocratic means to truncate democratic processes. “The Governor’s current posture is inimical to the nation’s democratic and security interests and must not be allowed to undermine the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on local government autonomy,” the group stated.
The association further disclosed that threats of violence have already driven many council workers away from their duty posts, with areas like Oredo, Etsako East, Egor, Esan Central, Owan East and West, Akoko-Edo, and Etsako West reportedly overrun by thugs.
“This escalating tension is creating widespread insecurity. The police must publicly assure citizens and workers of their safety,” NAFPOR advised, adding that maintaining silence in the face of such threats could embolden others to act with impunity.
The group also highlighted the vindication of the council chairmen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which found no evidence to support the allegations leveled against them. They warned that failure to address the ongoing impunity could set a dangerous precedent for governance nationwide.
“Our democracy cannot thrive if elected officials are unlawfully removed from office. Law enforcement agencies must enforce the rule of law to safeguard peace and stability,” the statement concluded.
The coming days will test the resolve of Nigeria’s security agencies and their commitment to upholding the nation’s democratic principles.
