SUBAIR MOHAMMED and LANRE ADEWOLE X-ray the tense build-up to the general election in Lagos, the state with the largest number of registered voters in Nigeria.
Following bloody clashes among supporters of the different political parties in Lagos, many residents are worried that next weekend’s election may be marred by violence.
Despite assurances from security agencies, particularly the state police command, many residents are apprehensive that the violence already witnessed during the campaigns of the leading political parties will escalate as the presidential and National Assembly elections draw near.
Just last week, the police in the state, through their spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed bloody attacks on some supporters of the Labour Party during a presidential rally.
Some weeks ago, in the Surulere area, some political thugs were captured on video openly brandishing weapons. One of their leaders captured with a pump-action gun (identity withheld) was declared wanted by the police.
Speaking on last weekend’s attacks on Labour Party supporters, Hundeyin said: “The Lagos State police command has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding attacks on Labour Party supporters who were on their way to a rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan
“Four injured persons were promptly taken for medical attention and are responding to treatment. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over investigations into the incident from Ilasan Division which had earlier commenced preliminary investigations.
“The Lagos State police command strongly condemns the attack and advises all political leaders to prevail on their followers to be law abiding and shun violence.
“The command will leave no stone unturned to deal decisively with offenders in accordance with the law”
Graveyard peace?
A political enthusiast, Layi Akinwunmi, stated that Lagos is certain to boil next weekend except water-tight security is provided and there is no bias in favour of anyone.
“It is an election that is going to be largely driven by ethnic identity and battle for ethnic superiority. It is an emotive thing and there is no way a certain group won’t want to show the other that Lagos is some people’s land. The irony of it is that none of the two contending ethnic groups in Lagos can claim to be indigenous to the state, though one of them can claim greater ethnic affiliation,” Akinwunmi explained.
The public analyst added that violence is very much likely in the stronghold of the Labour Party in the state as a strategy by the other group to ensure cancellation of votes that should have gone to its candidate, since the electoral law empowers returning officers to cancel votes where there is unmanageable violence.
fair trials.
“The authorities must ensure that journalists, local and international election observers and other stakeholders can carry out their activities safely before, during and after the elections, without fear of violence or intimidation.
“There should be no room for human rights violations. The Nigerian authorities, political parties and candidates must publicly condemn any intimidation and advocacy of hatred and incitement.
“This is a time for all stakeholders to demonstrate that they embrace human rights and to commit to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.”
Allegations of attack on LP supporters baseless –APC
The spokesman of the ruling APC in Lagos, Mr Seye Oladejo, described the allegations of attack on LP supporters as baseless and untrue.
According to Oladejo, it is irresponsible and reckless to level such a “wild allegation” without proof.
He said: “We read with amazement the baseless allegation of the Labour Party accusing the ruling Lagos APC of being responsible for the attack on their supporters.
“It is irresponsible and reckless to level such a wild allegation without any substantial proof. The APC, as the ruling party in Lagos State, remains the biggest stakeholder to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order. We want to state unequivocally that our members were not involved in any attack. Our investigation into the concerned local government made nonsense of the allegation.
“Our position has always been for the security agencies to do their job and bring those found culpable in any attack to book. Those who alleged must be able to provide evidence and point at suspects and leave the rest to the police and other security agencies
“We abhor violence as a party. Everybody has the constitutional right to support whichever party they choose and we don’t think that should make for any kind of violence. We don’t see the Labour or any other party as a threat. It is important to put it on record that every indication points to our victory in the coming elections based on the widely-acknowledged great performance of the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other elected and appointed government officials during the outgoing tenure.
“Our members have no business unleashing attacks on the opposition party. The state government remains committed to the security of the lives and property of all Lagosians, irrespective of political affiliation. The Labour Party will do well if it desists from needless blackmail and faces the substance of the expectations of the electorate.”
Analysis with Nigerian Tribune
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