As the Edo state governorship election approaches, the Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr Kayode Egbetokun and police authorities to ensure a level playing ground for all candidates, citing recent unsavoury events going on in the state.

This is contained in a release co-signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Victor Kalu and National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha, made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Monday.

Our correspondent reports that the coalition recently condemned the activities of some individuals in Edo State, who had openly and brazenly boasted, that with “Federal might” on their side, they would win the election.

The coalition described such remarks as “an attempt to intimidate other political parties and candidates, and called on the IGP to employ the eagle eye.

It said that the creation of state security outfits is intended to complement the noble efforts of the Nigeria Police Force as well as help maintain and curb the often, chaotic traffic situation across some States of the Federation and Edo State is not an exception.

It added that the recent arbitrary arrests and detention of some members of the Edo State Security Corps by the Nigeria police calls for concern, especially in the lead up to the Governorship polls slated for the 21st of September 2024.

According to the group, the Nigeria Police Force is the lead security agency in the management of peace and security during elections and its professionalism and impartiality, before, during and after the elections goes a long way in determining the success or otherwise of elections.

“ If the Police Force, who is indeed, the custodian of our peace and security, are perceived to have taken sides with one of the parties to the elections, the electorate naturally resorts to self help and such unprofessional conduct becomes a tonic to the breakdown of law and order in the society.

“ The Coalition has always maintained that Edo State citizens are some of the most enlightened electorate in the country and should be allowed to freely and expressly exercise their rights to vote for a candidate of their choice, without let or hindrance.

“ The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria therefore, calls on the Inspector general of police and the police authorities to immediately release some members of the State security corps arrested and detained by the police in Edo State, including Amos Tom Uduhagene, a Puwov personnel and

Kingsley      Osahon,      a        Councillor   in       Ward 10      of       Esan North East Local Government area of the State and two others who are staunch members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

“ As a responsible Civil Society Group, committed to upholding the principles of equity, equality, fairness and justice for all, as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is our sacred duty to ensure that all persons regardless of religion, political party or ethnicity are treated with fairness and justice.

“ It is against this background that we appeal to the Police to do everything to ensure neutrality and maintain professionalism as we count down to the Governorship polls “, the group said.

The group also raised the alarm about speculations and unconfirmed reports, alleging surreptitious moves to arrest some other members of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labor Party in the State, in an alleged attempt to showcase the ability to use what is often bandied about as’ “Federal Might”. The group mentioned those on the watch list, for Police arrest as alleged, to include, Hon Destiny Enabulele, a Former Local Government Chairman, Hon Kelvin Obaragie, Enabulele Nickolas, a retired Deputy Registrar, Hon Odumamwen Osadolor, Mr Morgan Agho, Timothy Uwumarongie and a few others.

This Coalition therefore appealed to the Police Authorities to live above board and stay on the course of fairness, equity and justice, before, during and after the elections.

“ After a careful review and assessment of all the events in Edo State, it is the considered view of our coalition, under the aegis of the Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, that the Nigeria Police should make conscious and deliberate efforts to ensure that the good people of Edo State are all carried along by the police and indeed, all other security agencies to help inspire and foster peace and security as we count down to September 21st 2024.

“ The task to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible election is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in our society and it is a responsibility that is predicated on shared values of democracy and the rule of law.

“ The Nigeria Police must be in the forefront for the actualization of our collective quest to a non violent and trouble free electoral process “, the group added.

The group further called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure, that there is no interference in the upcoming Edo State Governorship election as well as to give a marching order to all those saddled with responsibilities to tow the path of peace and decorum and avoid sacred cows.

It warned those who seek to create confusion just to achieve their personal gains to desist from using the ordinary citizens for their own selfish gains.

The group however appealed to all Edo citizens and residents as well as all Nigerians from across the political divide, to sheath their sword and follow the path of peace and decorum.

C-Advocate therefore urges the police to beam their searchlight and ensure that all perpetrators of chaos and disorder in the buildup to the election are punished accordingly, no matter whose ox is gored.

The gains of hard fought democracy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity and Edo people cannot afford to have their collective interests, as will be expressed through the ballot, sabotaged.

A free, fair, credible process on September 21 will avert chaos and help Edo and Nigeria manage the nation’s already fragile unity.