Tensions are rising in the buildup to the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, as the Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, has raised the alarm over the incessant vandalism of his billboards in major parts of the Benin City metropolis.
In a statement titled “Pulling down of my billboards by agents of governor Obaseki: The clouds are gathering,” Akpata decried what he described as “a coordinated, premeditated, and insidious assault on our constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech, political expression, and the fundamental tenets of democracy itself.”
According to Akpata, billboards that he legally paid for and erected across Benin City have come under attack from agents of the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in various local government areas.
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“In Oredo Local Government Area, two of my billboards were viciously vandalised, defaced, and ultimately torn down, with explicit threats of more removals to come,” Akpata stated.
“The situation is equally dire and unacceptable in Ovia North East, where two more billboards bearing my visage and campaign messages were mindlessly destroyed by these merchants of antidemocratic forces,” he added
Akpata further claimed that his campaign team has received unambiguous threats that billboards in Ikpoba Okha will also be targeted for elimination.
He said, “Let me be absolutely crystal clear: these are not the actions of a democratic government secure in its mandate, popular goodwill, and record of accomplishments in office.
“No, these are the desperate, last-ditch tactics of an intolerant regime terrified of the winds of change blowing across our dear state – a regime paralysed by the fear of the people’s burgeoning yearning for a new direction, a new vision, and a new era of progressive and inclusive governance.”
Akpata warned those behind the destruction of his billboards, stating, “To the perpetrators of this undemocratic brigandage – the faceless, shadowy minions deployed to carry out these nefarious acts under the cover of darkness – let this serve as a solemn warning: We, the Labour Party, and indeed all well-meaning citizens of Edo State who cherish our hard-won democracy, shall not be cowed, intimidated, or browbeaten into silence.”
The Director-General of the Olumide Akpata Campaign Council, Rev. Sam Omede, echoed similar sentiments, expressing disappointment that “at this present time, people are still going about pulling down political opponent billboards.”
However, the Hon Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, while exonerating the state governor from the destructions, urged Akpata to “direct his grievances to the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage to settle any outstanding bills or disputes.”
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Nehikhare stated, “The Edo State Government condemns any form of vandalism and urges all parties involved to address such issues through proper channels. While we understand Mr. Akpata’s frustration, we encourage him to engage with the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage to settle any outstanding bills or disputes.”
As the election draws nearer, the situation highlights the tensions and challenges facing the democratic process in Edo State, with calls for peaceful engagement and respect for the rule of law from all parties involved.
