Benin – Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state government was ready for Saturday’s Edo governorship poll.
Oshiomhole made the statement on Thursday in Benin during a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the party at various levels in government house.
He dismissed allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the APC was agitating for the postponement of the election.
He said that it was regrettable that in spite of security reports urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the election, the electoral body had remained rigid.
He said that INEC should be ready to take responsibility for any action if it decides to conduct the election against security advice, saying he would not take responsibility for the commission.
Oshiomhole urged members of the party in the state to be vigilant and “ de-rig the opposition parties with their Permanent Voters Card (PVC). “
He alleged that governors of neighbouring Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states were preparing to bring in militants into the state to perpetrate violence during the election.
He warned persons that might be used for such act to have a rethink or face the consequences if they are caught.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that earlier the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalism (NUJ) Mr Waheed Odusile, paid a visit to the governor.
Odusile, who led a delegation of the NUJ, said they were in the state to monitor the election and interact with journalists in the state.
Welcoming the delegation, Oshiomhole assured them that his administration was committed to ensuring a free, fair and transparent election.
He commended media practitioners in the state for their professional conduct and support for his administration.
He urged the media to eschew sentiment and be factual in their reportage. (NAN)
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