Edo State Government said it has banned all political rallies and demonstrations in the state till further notice.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the directive is coming barely 24 hours after the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu had directed the immediate suspension of a proposed rally today, on Friday, by an Adams Oshiomhole-backed faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
Similarly, in a statement on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, said the decision became necessary in view of the alleged plans by some ‘mischief-makers’ to organise political rally in Edo State capital, Benin City.
The SSG noted that such political rallies are capable of leading to a breakdown of public peace and loss of lives and properties.
“The government of Edo State has placed a total and complete ban on all political rallies, demonstrations and/or procession in any part of Edo State,” Mr Ogie said.
Mr Ogie said the IGP’s decision was in considerations of security implications.
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He said the ban was necessary because the organisers are in search for an alternative venue to carry out violent activities through the rally.
Mr Ogie urged parents and guardians to advise their children not to offer themselves as “cannon-fodder in aid of misguided political ambition and ego of people, whose own children reside and school abroad.”
The state secretary said owners of properties used for political activities risk revoking of their right of occupancy and forfeiture to the state government.
He said the state government has directed all security agencies to deal firmly with all persons who act contrary to the ban on all political rallies in Edo State.
