By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, Barr. Olumide Akpata, has raised the alarm over incessant act of vandalism on his billboards in the major parts of the Benin City metropolis, saying that, such will not be tolerated by him.
He said this while speaking on what he tagged “Pulling down of my billboards by agents of governor Obaseki: The clouds are gathering” being a statement made available to journalists in Benin City.
Akpata said that the billboards were erected with his hard earned money and destroying them, are infringements of his fundamental human rights.
“Over the past few days, we have witnessed a coordinated, premeditated, and insidious assault on our constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech, political expression, and the fundamental tenets of democracy itself. Billboards that I, as a law-abiding citizen and a gubernatorial candidate, legally paid for and erected across the length and breadth of Benin City have come under attack from the Local Government Areas, who are agents of the incumbent governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.
“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.
“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.
“In Ikpoba Okha, my campaign team has received unambiguous threats that our billboards in that area will also be targeted for elimination.
“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.
“By resorting to the unbridled destruction of my campaign materials— materials that I have legally and legitimately paid for with hard-earned resources—Governor Obaseki and his handlers have clearly shown themselves to be anti-democratic forces intolerant of divergent voices, dissenting opinions, and the fundamental principles of pluralism that undergird any true democracy worth the name.
“They are laying bare, for all to see, their disdain for the rights and freedoms that generations of Nigerians have fought, bled, and died for—the sacrosanct rights and freedoms that serve as the bedrock upon which our democratic edifice is erected.
“By their actions, they have demonstrated a callous disregard for the rule of law, due process, and the sanctity of our democratic institutions”, Akpata said.
He warned those behind the destruction of his billboards to desist from it.
“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.
“We shall unapologetically and robustly defend our constitutional right to freely campaign, share our vision, and interface with the good people of Edo State without let or hindrance”, Akpata said.
Speaking also, the Director General of the Campaign Council of Olumide Akpata, Rev. Sam Omede said that it is very shameful that at this present time, people are still going about pulling down political opponent billboards.
Responding to the allegation, the Hon Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare, while exonerating the state governor from the destructions of Akpata’s campaign billboards, urged him to direct his grievances to the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage to settle any outstanding bills or disputes.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr. Olumide Akpata regarding the removal of his campaign bill board. 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.
“Threats of violence or disobedience have no place in our democratic process, and all parties should conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the law.
“It is essential that we focus on constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement rather than resorting to tactics that may incite division or unrest.
“The government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will address any disruptive behaviour, regardless of one’s status or affiliation.
“We encourage Mr. Akpata to prioritize addressing the internal challenges within his party and work towards fostering unity and stability. Let us all strive to promote a peaceful and inclusive electoral process for the benefit of all citizens”, Nehikhare said.