The Edo People For Good Governance (EPGG), a civil society group, has condemned recent threats by alleged All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs against lawyers representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the ongoing Edo State election petition tribunal.
The group decried the increasing intimidation and violence aimed at undermining the legal proceedings surrounding the highly contested gubernatorial election.
In a statement by its convener, Bright Omorodion, the group revealed that APC-sponsored thugs have been reportedly threatening to shoot, stab, or even kill PDP lawyers to disrupt the tribunal’s legal process.
“It is highly unacceptable and a direct attack on the democratic process that APC thugs are openly threatening violence against those seeking justice through legal means,” Omorodion said.
He said the situation has become so precarious that the PDP legal team has had to take extraordinary security measures to protect themselves.
The lawyers reportedly raised an alarm over a plan to kidnap them when they turned up for tribunal appearances, with reports suggesting they had already been targeted for abduction while they were in Benin.
Reports indicate that the lawyers have had to relocate their meeting venue three times in one day to avoid being attacked or kidnapped by these hired thugs.
The Edo People For Good Governance expressed particular concern about the activities of the Edo APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, who they accused of openly moving around with thugs to disrupt proceedings not only at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office but also at the election tribunal.
The group detailed how APC operatives have allegedly been causing chaos to create fear and stifle the legal proceedings that may challenge the legitimacy of their candidate’s victory.
“These are not isolated incidents. What we are witnessing is a systematic effort to derail justice and intimidate those standing in defence of the people’s mandate.
“The APC’s actions are a direct threat to the rule of law and an insult to the integrity of our democratic institutions,” the group noted.
Omorodion called on security agencies and the judiciary to step in immediately to protect the lawyers and ensure the tribunal can operate without external interference.
“We urge the police, the Department of State Security (DSS), and other relevant agencies to take these threats seriously and provide adequate protection for the legal teams involved in this case,” he added.
The group further warned that any harm to the PDP lawyers or disruptions of the tribunal proceedings would not only spark outrage but could lead to a crisis in Edo State.
“The people of Edo are peace-loving, but they will not stand idly by while a few individuals attempt to subvert justice through violence and intimidation.
“Any attempt to disrupt the tribunal’s work will provoke resistance from the people who voted for change,” the group declared.
The group further appealed to the international community to pay close attention to the developments in Edo State.
“We call on global observers and human rights organizations to take note of the deteriorating situation in Edo State and hold accountable those who are trying to sabotage democracy,” the statement read.
Omorodion concluded the statement by reaffirming the EPGG’s commitment to ensuring that the democratic process is upheld, warning the APC that continued attempts to undermine the tribunal could backfire.
“The voice of the people must be heard, and justice must be served without fear or coercion. We will not allow thuggery and violence to take away the mandate that rightfully belongs to the people of Edo State,” he declared.
