Delta Obidients Movement Condemn Threats By Uvwie LGA Chairman Against Voters; Calls It An Assault On Democracy
The Delta State Chapter of the Obidient and OK Movement has received with shock and total condemnation, reports of threatening statements credited to the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, warning residents that anyone not ready to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not come out on election day. And that non-indigenes must not come out to vote and that the youths in APC should make sure that no outsider is allowed to vote.
According to Hon. Emerure Favour
Delta State Coordinator, Obidient/OK Movement in a press statement made available to journalists stated thus “We consider this statement, by Uvwie LGA Chairman, Hon. Ofoni as reckless, unconstitutional, undemocratic and a direct threat to the fundamental rights of the people of Uvwie.
For the avoidance of doubt:
1. Voting is a constitutional right, not a privilege granted by any Local Government Chairman. Section 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees every citizen freedom of choice and association.
Section 132 of the Electoral act, made it clear that inflicting threats on people is a punishable offense liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 3 years.
2. No citizen of Uvwie needs permission from the Council Chairman to exercise his or her franchise. The threat that people should stay indoors if they will not vote APC amounts to voter intimidation, voter suppression and an open invitation to anarchy.
3. Uvwie is not a personal estate of any political party. It is home to diverse Nigerians – supporters of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ADC, Labour Party, PDP, APC, and other parties, as well as non-partisan citizens. All are entitled to peace and safety.
We therefore:
“*a)* Call on the Delta State Government, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and INEC to immediately call the Chairman to order and to guarantee the safety of all voters in Uvwie before, during and after the elections.
*b)* Urge the good people of Uvwie LGA not to be intimidated. Do not surrender your right out of fear. Come out en masse on election day and vote your conscience.
“c)* Remind the Uvwie Council Chairman that the era of ballot-box intimidation is over. The people are now wiser and more resolute to defend their votes.
“The Obidient and OK Movement in Delta State stands for peace, issue-based campaign and non-violence. We will not be provoked into violence, but we will lawfully resist any attempt to disenfranchise our people.
No one has a monopoly on Uvwie. Uvwie belongs to all of us”.
