It has come to the knowledge of the Edo State Government that some political thugs operating under the guise of civil society groups and students of some tertiary institutions have concluded plans to cause public disturbance and nuisance starting from tomorrow Monday, November 8, 2015 in Benin City. This is to put the general public on the alert to be wary of such ill-conceived, politically-motivated and needless protest aimed at causing breach of public peace.
Let it be known that this government has a clear-cut focus for the peace-loving people of Edo State and cannot be distracted from carrying out its legitimate responsibilities in line with its electoral mandate freely given to it by the great people of Edo State. This government enjoys enormous political will and courage to confront anyone who intends to make the state ungovernable by whatever guise and in whatever form. We are aware that a governorship aspirant of the opposition PDP has financially mobilized these political thugs with the sum of five million naira in different installments to carry out this nefarious act.
Government will not fold its hands and watch political thugs masquerading as civil society organizations, groups and persons trying to puncture the peace and tranquility of the state by way of violent protests and demonstrations. As a government that derives its mandate from the people, we will do that which in our estimation would help sustain the Edo Dream; a peaceful state of flourishing opportunities for all that is nurtured and guided by rule of law and not rule of man.
Politicians and political aspirants could go about their political engagement in a civilized manner without recourse to barbaric, crude and brutish methods aimed at offending public peace with the intention to embarrass government, its agencies and the good people of the state. The security agencies have been put on the alert to avert any descent to violence or any act that is meant to cause breach of public peace and are ready to deal ruthlessly with anyone who runs foul of the law. All law abiding people of the state are enjoined to go about their lawful business whilst the long arm of the law will catch up with any group, person and organization trying to foment trouble and disrupt the business of law-abiding citizens of this great state.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed. We implore everyone to go about his or her legitimate business without fear of molestation, attack and violence.
May the spirit of our founding fathers continue to guide us aright.
Gov. Adams Oshiomhole
