…As campaigns, rally officially closes
…Preparation kicks off as Edo Govt declares today work-free day
…Okpebholo promises to settle LG workers’ salaries within 100 days if elected
…PDP calls for vigilance against alleged disruption tactics, urges citizens to resist election rigging
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties, candidates, and supporters in Edo State to refrain from wearing campaign attire or bringing campaign materials to polling units on Election Day, set for tomorrow, September 21, 2024.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun reiterated that official campaigning must end by midnight on September 19, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2023. Any rallies or processions beyond this time frame will be deemed illegal.
“The Commission wishes to remind political parties that all campaigns by political parties end at midnight today,” Olumekun stated.
He emphasised that violations, including post-campaign rallies, could result in sanctions under Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.
INEC has urged all parties and their supporters to comply with the legal provisions to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Edo Government has declared Friday, Sept. 20, a work-free day to enable workers and others to travel to their voting areas ahead of the Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
A statement by Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Joseph Eboigbe, reassured that security measures had been provided to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
According to Eboigbe, “it is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Edo State Government has declared Friday, September 20, a work-free day.
“This is to enable workers and other electorates to travel to their voting areas ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the State.”
“Government wishes everyone journey mercies and reassures that security measures have been provided to ensure a free, fair and credible election,” he said.
Also, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Edo governorship election, has pledged to clear all outstanding salaries owed to local government workers within his first 100 days in office, should he be elected.
In a statement released by Kassim Afegbua, Director of Media for the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council, Okpebholo expressed concern over the backlog of salaries affecting council workers across the state.
He emphasised that it is unacceptable for local government employees to go unpaid, particularly as allocations have reportedly improved.
“Every local government in Edo is being owed salaries ranging from two to six months at a time when their allocations are due,” Okpebholo stated.
“Instead of receiving these funds, local government chairmen are forced to sign at Sterling Bank without actually getting their allocations.”
He described the situation as a severe injustice, claiming that the absence of capital projects and ongoing salary arrears reflect a lack of governance and accountability.
“This act is wickedness,” he asserted, pledging to rectify these issues if elected.
Okpebholo assured local government employees that all outstanding salaries would be addressed promptly, reiterating his commitment to ensuring that full allocations are distributed for the growth and development of rural areas in Edo.
In a related development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Edo State citizens to come out in large numbers for the upcoming governorship election on September 21, 2024, urging them to treat anyone attempting to disrupt or manipulate the electoral process as a criminal.
In a press statement, the PDP accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to deploy thugs disguised as security personnel to intimidate voters and facilitate ballot box snatching.
The party alleged that these individuals are being brought in from Imo and Kogi States.
“Any person who attempts to disrupt, manipulate or rig the poll should be confronted and resisted,” the PDP stated, emphasising the need for public vigilance against “fake security personnel” purportedly sent by the APC.
The party also urged the Inspector General of Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide identifiable badges for legitimate security forces assigned to polling units.
While reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, the PDP stated it would take “every legitimate means available in a democratic resistance” to protect the integrity of the election.
The party warned that any APC thug attempting to incite violence or compromise the electoral process would face severe consequences from both the public and law enforcement.
The PDP further urged INEC to maintain the election’s credibility by ensuring that sensitive electoral materials, including voter registers and ballot papers, are delivered to their respective polling locations in a timely manner.
The party also instructed its polling agents to remain vigilant and inspect the INEC’s Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to prevent any tampering.
“All results must be immediately transmitted to the INEC portal and copies sent to the PDP Election Situation Room for documentation,” the statement concluded, reflecting the party’s confidence in securing victory in the forthcoming election.