President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have been urged to take immediate action to prevent potential unrest at the Local Government Secretariats in Edo State on Monday, December 23.
According to reports, a security alert was issued as Local Government Council Chairmen in Edo State prepare to resume office, defying a recent suspension by the Governor and the House of Assembly.
The suspension has been declared null and void by the Attorney General of the Federation and a High Court in Benin.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Nigeria Association for Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) expressed grave concern over the silence of the President and the IGP, warning that it poses a significant threat to democracy. NAFPOR revealed evidence of serious threats to lives and property, allegedly orchestrated by individuals attempting to replace the elected Chairmen who were unlawfully suspended.
The organization cautioned that unless President Tinubu, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the IGP act swiftly to address the situation, the 18 Local Government Council Secretariats in Edo State could face arson on Monday morning. They called for an immediate public statement to deter the mobilization of thugs reportedly planning to obstruct the reinstated Chairmen. NAFPOR also raised alarms about death threats circulating on social media targeting the Chairmen and their aides as they prepare to resume their lawful duties.
The group criticized the Nigerian Police Force for its perceived inaction, comparing the situation to a similar crisis in Rivers State, where delayed police intervention led to the loss of lives and the destruction of Council Secretariats—events that could have been avoided.
Furthermore, the Attorney General of the Federation has declared the actions of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Governor to terminate the Chairmen’s tenures as illegal, citing a Supreme Court ruling that upholds the autonomy of local councils.
“The Chairmen are set to resume office on Monday but as of now thugs have invaded the various local Government Council Secretariats to cause mayhem. The earlier the Inspector General of Police cautions these thugs against violent breakdown in Edo State, the better. We must build a proactive police system that is preventive and not reactive. Now that the crisis is brewing, it is the right time to stop it, not after the damage is done,” NAFPOR stated.
A statement issued today in Lagos by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Ufuoma Okiokpa, reads, “To sustain the relative peace across the nation, the Nigeria Association For Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police and the AGF to make adequate security arrangements across every local Government Council Secretariat across Edo State as Council Chairmen are set to resume office on Monday as ordered by a Benin High Court in order to avoid deaths and the burning down of government properties as thugs are already positioned across the councils to prevent the Chairmen from resumption.”
“The leadership of Nigeria security agencies are duty-bound to provide security for the democratically elected Council Chairmen to safeguard democracy and also warned political actors with subversive agenda not to set the State ablaze on Monday as was witnessed in Rivers State recently where council Secretariats were on fire.”
NAFPOR has expressed concerns over the actions of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, stating that his current stance poses a serious threat to the nation’s democratic principles and security interests. The organization emphasized that such actions must not be allowed to undermine the historic Supreme Court ruling granting autonomy to local governments across Nigeria.
Furthermore, NAFPOR warned against the activities of certain unpatriotic politicians in the state who are reportedly mobilizing thugs to create chaos at various local government council secretariats on Monday morning.
According to NAFPOR, these politicians are allegedly resorting to undemocratic measures to disrupt the democratic process, particularly in their attempts to organize another local government election in defiance of the Nigerian Constitution. The group urged law enforcement agencies not to remain passive amid rising tensions. “The growing unrest across the state is already threatening security in several areas. The Police must reassure citizens and council workers of their safety,” the statement read.
NAFPOR also noted that some local government workers have fled their headquarters due to escalating threats. It specifically highlighted Oredo, Etsako East, Egor, Esan Central, Owan East and West, Akoko-Edo, and Etsako West as areas overwhelmed by thugs, leaving workers afraid to resume their duties.
The organization stressed that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if elected council chairmen face violence and unlawful removal from office, which contradicts constitutional principles. It condemned the destabilizing impact of such actions, particularly during a democratic era.
On Thursday, the EFCC summoned the council chairmen for questioning and cleared them of all allegations contained in a petition submitted by the governor.
NAFPOR warned that if such impunity continues, other governors may follow suit, unlawfully removing council chairmen and rendering the Supreme Court powerless. “The judiciary must enforce its rulings, and law enforcement agencies must act to uphold the rule of law and ensure peace and security nationwide,” the statement concluded.
