Impending Crisis In Edo: Tinubu, DSS, IGP Issued Warning Ahead Of Monday Turmoil

President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have been urged to intervene promptly to prevent anticipated chaos at Edo State Local Government Secretariats on Monday, December 23.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This follows a security alert issued as Local Government Chairmen in Edo State prepare to resume their duties, defying their recent suspension by the Governor and the House of Assembly—a decision deemed null and void by the Attorney General of the Federation and a Benin High Court ruling.

In a statement on Sunday, the Nigeria Association for Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) expressed concerns over potential violence, warning that continued silence by authorities poses a threat to democracy.

NAFPOR reported threats to lives and property destruction orchestrated by individuals aiming to usurp the positions of the elected Chairmen. The group warned that thugs are mobilizing across 18 council secretariats to block the Chairmen from resuming their lawful duties.

The group also highlighted alarming death threats circulating on social media against the Chairmen and their aides and criticized the police’s inaction. They emphasized the need for immediate intervention to prevent a repeat of the tragic incidents witnessed in Rivers State, where delayed responses led to loss of lives and destruction of council properties.

NAFPOR called on President Tinubu, the DSS, and the IGP to issue a public statement and deploy adequate security to maintain peace.

“The Chairmen are set to resume office, but thugs have invaded council secretariats to cause mayhem. It is crucial for the IGP to act now to prevent violence. A proactive police system is key to averting such crises before damage is done,” the statement read.

The group also condemned the actions of Governor Monday Okpebholo, describing them as a threat to democratic principles and the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.

They accused unpatriotic politicians of mobilizing thugs to create chaos and warned that such undemocratic tactics undermine constitutional principles.

NAFPOR further noted that tensions have forced some council workers to flee their posts, with significant unrest reported in areas such as Oredo, Etsako East, Egor, Esan Central, Owan East and West, Akoko-Edo, and Etsako West.

The group emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile if elected officials are subjected to violence and unlawful removal.

“Law enforcement agencies must enforce the law and ensure peace and security across the nation,” the statement concluded, urging authorities to act decisively to uphold constitutional principles and prevent further destabilization.