Ahead of the rescheduled State Houses of Assembly election now coming up on March 18, 2023, across the country, Police authorities in Benin City, the Edo State capital, have charged Youths in Uzebu Community and environs in Oredo LGA, to conduct themselves in orderly and peaceful manner.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Evbuotubu Division, Mr. Matthew Sunday Kalu, gave the charge on Wednesday, at Uzebu Community Town Hall, Owina Street, behind GT Paza, Ekenwan Road in Benin City.
The DPO stressed the need for youths in his Division and even beyond to be vigilant, law-abiding and maintain the peace before, during and after the House of Assembly poll as they had always done in the past.
He assured that adequate security measures have been put in place by the Edo State Police Command ahead of the voting exercise to safeguard lives and property, adding that his Division will not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with miscreants and political thugs in whatever guise.
The DPO, therefore, cautioned the Youths to shun violence and resist attempts by politicians to use them to foment trouble, emphasising that the Police have clear instructions to deal decisively with anyone whose conduct is likely to promote thuggery or precipitate violence, no matter how highly placed.
Responding, the Okaeghele of Uzebu Community, Comrade Fidelis Owen, thanked the DPO and his men for reaching out to the Community to sensitise its youths on peaceful conduct, before, during and after the forthcoming poll.
Comrade Owen, on behalf of his Community Youths, promised the Police boss of their good conduct at all times.
He however appealed to the Police and other security agents to assist INEC to conduct a free, fair, credible and acceptable poll devoid of intimidation, by being professional to the core.
The Okaeghele was unanimously supported by his executive and members present at the event, including Pst. Eguavoen Ezomo (PRO), Pst. Ekhoe Ezomo, Kingsley Ayore, Mila Ifinedo and Nelson Ogbomwan (PDP Ward 3 chairman) in their collective resolve to maintain the peace.
A seasoned grassroots youth mobiliser and PDP chieftain, Hon. Sylvester Iziegbe Inegbenehi was also at the event to pep up the Youths.
