LP chieftain condemns destruction of party’s billboards in Edo, describes action as barbaric
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
A chieftain of Labour Party (LP) and its National Chairman, Mobilisation and Recruitment Committee, Dr Oghogho Okundaye, has condemned the recent pulling down of the billboards of the party’s candidate Olumide Akpata in some parts of Benin City in Edo State.
Recall that Akpata had at a press conference in Benin City last weekend, warned of a looming anarchy ahead of the September 21st governorship election if the destruction of his billboards continues.
He told journalists that no reason has been given to the party for the destruction even after enquiries from the local government areas under whose jurisdiction the signage lie.
But Okundaye in a statement in Benin City yesterday, described the destruction “as barbaric and not healthy for democratic processes of the state”, pointing out that it is capable of causing disorder which could paint the state in bad light.
He said it was shocking to see that such a backward development tendency is being carried out in Edo State simply because of an election.
“In any contest it is advisable to sell your candidate to the people instead of tampering with billboards of a leading candidate, it is an indication that others have given up”, Okundaye said.
He stressed that who God has ordained no man can pull down, alleging that the most disgusting aspect is to see that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led-government was behind it, a situation that calls for concern.
“The Labour Party is a non-violent platform, it however does not mean that they can be taken for granted”, and warned those behind the dastardly act to desist from it as the election is one for uprightness and not “agberoism”.
Commenting on the issue of a Caretaker Committee leadership for the party in Edo State, Dr. Okundaye took a swipe at the national chairman of the party, Julius Abure, saying that his unilateral action is unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic.
He said the appropriate machinery has already been put in place to resolve all contending issues in the party in the state in order not to jeopardise its chances of victory in the governorship election.