…Amnesty International has been alerted of imminent violent acts thereby tasking government at all levels to prevent them
Amnesty International has appealed to the government at all levels of governance to perform their constitutional functions of promoting, protecting and preserving human rights before and during governorship election in Edo State.
According to the agency, violence is being brewed concerning the election in Edo State and all hands must be on deck to avert it.
Amnesty International said it has been alerted that political elite planning to use youths as pawns in perpetrating violence in the state.
Amnesty International made these declarations through a public statement issued on Wednesday.
“Government must protect people from violence and ensure the full respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association before, during and after the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election and subsequent elections in other states of the federation,” the statement read.
Read also: Shun violence during elections, INEC, NDI tell Edo youths
The Country Director of Amnesty International in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho said, “The potential turmoil being stirred up by various factions ahead of the gubernatorial elections in Edo State should send a clear signal to the Nigerian authorities of the imminent violence ahead of the polls and government must take active steps to prevent a bloody poll.
“Fueling the instability and impunity in the state, are reports of supporters of some politicians violently targeting political opponents, real or perceived. The authorities must stamp out any political impunity by ensuring these incidents are investigated and those suspected to be responsible, brought to justice.”
It is a collective task of the political parties, candidates and supporters to shun any form of hatred, unhealthy rivalry that could infer hostility and chaos.
“The authorities must put measures in place to ensure politicians and their supporters do not infringe on human rights. They must announce clearly that there is zero-tolerance for human right violations and that anyone suspected of wrongdoing will be brought to justice.
“The authorities must also ensure that journalists, international and national civil society groups and agencies that will monitor the election are able to do so in safety,” Ojigho added.
