Edo people in the Diaspora have addressed protest letters to the United Nations, European Union and various organizations and world leaders to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to carry out his threats to forcefully rig Edo State gubernatorial election slated for September 21 in favour of his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter signed by the group’s President, High Chief Musa Amedu based in the United Kingdom and made available to newsmen, the Diasporans said any attempt to subvert the will of Edo State through election rigging by President Tinubu and APC next month would only exacerbate the already tensed political atmosphere in the country, and would further fuel the daily bloodbath witnessed in all corners of Nigeria.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu vowed last year at his post-primary election campaign event at Constantial hotel in Benin City that he would return Edo to APC governed state if they voted for him to become the presidential candidate of his party.
“You know me well, you know Adam Oshiomole well; we are still going to fight further, don’t worry, we are with you, you will not walk alone. One thing I can assure you is this: Do you want Edo back? As the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will give Edo back to you. Edo will turn into a beautiful, if not more beautiful, and will be equal to Lagos. Be assured of that. Good night.” President Tinubu said.
“We, the Edo people in the Diaspora, write to express our deep concerns about the upcoming Edo State Governorship election scheduled for September 21st, 2024. We urge the United Nations and world leaders to take immediate action to prevent electoral manipulation and ensure a free, fair, and transparent process.
“President Tinubu’s recent statements and actions suggest a clear intention to rig the election in favour of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). We are alarmed by the escalating violence, intimidation, and harassment of opposition party members, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“We appeal to the UN and world leaders to condemn President Tinubu and APC’s rigging threats and the spiralling electoral violence. We urge the federal government to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election. We advise the global bodies to deploy international observers to monitor the election process to ensure credible deviode of malpractices and violence.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be held to account for any gross violations of the international human rights laws and treaties that Nigeria has ratified.
“That includes the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) – ratified by Nigeria in 1983.
“International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)—ratified by Nigeria in 1993—and Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) – ratified by Nigeria in 2001.
“We request a response and action within 48 hours to ensure a peaceful and credible election. The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy and Edo State citizens’ rights are at stake,” High Chief Musa Amedu said.
