The Edo state government says it has uncovered plots by some elements in the state, allegedly sponsored by members of the opposition party, to disrupt court proceedings on Monday, where the ongoing suit instituted by some members of the Edo traditional council against the Oba of Benin, challenging their suspension.
Briefing newsmen in Benin on Sunday, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, and the Special Adviser to the Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, warned against any move to thwart the peace of the state under any guise.
Nehikhare called on parents and Guardians to caution their wards and Children against being used to foment trouble or cause violence, adding that “Edo state Government will not tolerate hoodlums in any guise to gather or match towards the court intimidating judges and lawyers tomorrow, Monday.”
According to the commissioner, the independence of the judiciary must be guaranteed at all times.
“The government is aware that some unscrupulous politicians are behind the plan to sponsor violence with the aim of disrupting the peace in the state to score cheap political points.
“We call on youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used to perpetuate violence and cause crisis in the state.
“We also call on parents to protect their children from being exploited by persons who want to disrupt the peace for political gains.
“The Edo State Government will take all lawful actions against any individual or group found to be involved in activities that undermine the peace in the state.
“We urge all law-abiding citizens to reject and ignore any calls to disrupt the peace in the State and to refrain from engaging in any actions that could jeopardize public order.
“It is only through respect for the law and due process that we can ensure a just and orderly society for all,” Nehikhare reiterated.
Reacting to the news, the Director of Publicity APC Edo Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, said, “On the fear that the opposition parties have planned to protest against the senseless dragging of the Benin Royal Palace to court by some Enigies, with the support of Obaseki, the All Progressives Congress will emphatically want to put on record that the Oba of Benin is father to all responsible Edo sons and daughters and the PDP should therefore not single out the APC if indeed a protest is in the works.
“Truth be told, there is no amount of lies and cheap propaganda that will prevent PDP from being punished for the insensitivity of Obaseki in the last seven years plus.”
