The Nigeria Association for Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) has issued a stark warning about the potential chaos looming over Edo State. The group fears that local government secretariats could be set ablaze tomorrow, December 23, if the silence from President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Department of State Services (DSS) continues.
NAFPOR, a research and advocacy organisation, raised the alarm in a statement released on Sunday morning. It expressed concerns about the absence of decisive actions from the nation’s leadership regarding the tense situation in Edo State.
The controversy centres around the reinstatement of suspended local government council chairmen in Edo State. A Benin High Court and the Minister of Justice recently declared the suspension of the chairmen by Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State House of Assembly as illegal.
Despite these rulings, the council chairmen’s plan to resume duties on Monday has sparked tension. NAFPOR alleged that thugs are being mobilised to disrupt the return of the democratically elected officials.
“The chairmen are set to resume office on Monday, but as of now, thugs have invaded various local government council secretariats to cause mayhem,” said Ufuoma Okiokpa, NAFPOR’s National Publicity Secretary.
NAFPOR says it has uncovered credible threats to life and property, with several social media posts allegedly calling for attacks on the chairmen and their aides.
The group said, “The death threats across various social media platforms to kill chairmen and their aides have gone beyond tolerable limits. The Nigerian Police Force must step in immediately.”
NAFPOR also referenced a similar situation in Rivers State, where the late intervention of the police led to violence and the burning of secretariats.
The organisation urged the Nigerian leadership to take swift and decisive measures to prevent a repeat of such incidents in Edo.
“To sustain peace across the nation, NAFPOR calls on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure adequate security at every local government council secretariat in Edo State,” the statement read.
NAFPOR believes that the silence of key authorities could embolden those plotting to disrupt democracy. “We must build a proactive police system that prevents crises, rather than reacts after the damage is done,” the group added.
NAFPOR criticised the actions of Governor Okpebholo, labelling them a violation of local government autonomy as upheld by a Supreme Court judgment.
“The governor’s actions are inimical to Nigeria’s democracy and security interests. The Nigeria Police must show they are ready to defend the rule of law by enforcing the Supreme Court’s position,” the group stated.
It warned that allowing impunity to prevail could set a dangerous precedent, enabling other governors to unlawfully dismiss council chairmen.
The tense atmosphere has reportedly forced workers in some local governments to flee. NAFPOR revealed that secretariats in areas like Oredo, Etsako East, Egor, and Esan Central are already under siege by thugs.
“Research shows that some workers have travelled away from their local government headquarters due to the intense threats,” the group said.
NAFPOR reminded the public of the recent intervention by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who declared the suspension of the council chairmen illegal.
“The judiciary must defend its rulings, and law enforcement agencies must enforce the law to maintain peace and security across the nation,” it emphasised.
As the clock ticks towards Monday, NAFPOR has intensified its call for urgent intervention. The group insists that the IGP and DSS must act now to prevent bloodshed and destruction.
“Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive when elected officials are violently ousted against constitutional provisions. This call is urgent,” the statement concluded.
NAFPOR’s warning leaves no room for ambiguity. “The Police and DSS cannot stay silent when war is brewing,” it said, calling on political actors to desist from using undemocratic methods to achieve their goals.
With fears of violence escalating, all eyes are now on President Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies. Will they rise to the occasion and protect democracy in Edo State? Or will silence pave the way for chaos?
