Edo government bans all political rallies

Edo State Government on Friday said it has banned all political rallies and demonstrations from holding for security reasons.

The government in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, said the decision was in response to alleged plans by some ‘mischief-makers’ to organise an unauthorised political rally in Edo State capital, Benin City.

“The government of Edo State has placed a total and complete ban on all political rallies, demonstrations and/or procession in any part of Edo State,” Ogie said.

Ogie posited that if not barred, political rallies are capable of leading to a breakdown of public peace and loss of lives and properties.

The ban comes barely 24 hours after the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu directed the immediate suspension of a proposed rally billed to be held on Friday, December 13 in Benin by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State backed by the national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu explained that the IG had ordered the commissioner of police in the state to ensure that the rally is suspended until further notice.

Ogie said the IGP’s decision was in considerations of security implications. He said the ban was necessary because the organisers are in search for an alternative venue to carry out violent activities through the rally.

Ogie urged parents and guardians to advise their children not to offer themselves as “cannon-fodder in aid of misguided political ambition and ego of people, whose own children reside and school abroad.”

The state secretary said owners of properties used for political activities risk revokement of their right of occupancy and forfeiture to the state government.

He said the state government has directed all security agencies to deal firmly with all persons who act contrary to the ban on all political rallies in Edo State.