The unfortunate incident that occurred recently in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, where political thugs attacked the supporters of Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization destroying their vehicle, serves as a sobering reminder of the perilous direction our politics have taken.
This violent act has to be strongly denounced because it clearly violates democratic norms. Suffice to say that the government’s and notable political figures’ silence, since the incidence occured, simply makes the issue worse and disturbing.
It is sad that the Edo State Government has remained completely silent about the incident in Ekpoma, without a statement denouncing the violence or calling all political candidates and their supporters to order. This quiet not only betrays a lack of confidence in the democratic process but also gives those who want to use the state as a battlefield more confidence.
Governor Godwin Obaseki has a serious duty to defend all indigenes of the state, which includes all political candidates and their supporters as the state’s chief security officer, regardless of their partisan connections. The governor must make sure that they are safe while they conduct their business with a view to protecting the state against acts of thuggery that jeopardize its democratic stability.
This brings to fore that there are severe doubts about the state’s major political players’ commitment to a free and fair election given their silence on the Ekpoma incident. The confidence and expectations put in them as leaders are betrayed by their unacceptable silence, and they must speak up on matters like this because their opinions matter and hold sway. If they remain silent, the enemies of our democracy might be given more room to flourish, and the integrity of the upcoming gubernatorial election could be compromised.
The Ekpoma event should serve as a warning to the state’s security agencies to brace up as the political momentum in the state picks up. As the election draws near, it is their duty to implement appropriate strategies to preserve lives and properties within this period. The sponsors and perpetrators of political violence must be quickly put under watch, and flashpoints must be located. With this, will come a guarantee that a peaceful handover of power in the state will be achieved.
It is necessary to commend Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his campaign organization for their excellent handling of the unwarranted attack, in contrast to the unsettling quiet. Their self-control and maturity set a great example for every aspirant. Other aspirants are urged to emulate their maturity by not resorting to violencewhen provoked, and to emphasize issue-based campaigning in place of violent and intimidating tactics.
It is important to remind Edo residents of their freedom to take part in democratic processes, and not to allow politicians in a desperate attempt to obtain an unfair edge during election season to manipulate them into resorting to acts of violence.
It is the responsibility of all political parties in the state to openly denounce political thuggery and violence, and commit to paying by the rules. They must firmly enforce, encourage nonviolence conduct, and issue-driven campaigning, through their recognition of the significance of a peaceful election process that can foster a more diverse and democratic political environment.
Ben Osakwe
Public Affairs Analyst
January 2024
Edo 2024: A call for caution
