Edo guber: US expresses disappointment over Police interference in political matters

The United States Embassy said it would continue to monitor political developments in Edo and Ondo States ahead of gubernatorial elections in those States.

Meanwhile, the Embassy has expressed disappointment over the allegations of interference by security forces in political matters in Edo State.

The US Embassy said this in a statement titled, ‘US Embassy Statement on 2020 Off-Cycle Elections in Edo and Ondo States’ on Friday.

It further expressed concern with the role played by some political actors in the state which has raised tensions.

The statement read in part, “As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow political developments ahead of off-cycle elections in the country. The United States supports a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results, and does not favour any party or candidate.

“We are concerned with reports of the deteriorating political climate in Edo State and are disappointed with the role played by some political actors in the state.

“We are especially concerned with allegations of interference by security forces in political matters, which we will continue to monitor closely in the run up to the gubernatorial elections in the state in September.”

The US urged the electoral umpire (INEC) and all the political actors to ensure to a peaceful and transparent process in Edo and Ondo States in line with the global best practices.

Unarguably, Edo State, Southsouth Nigeria has been mirred in political turmoil in weeks over conflict of interest between the former National Chairman od the eulong All Progressives Congress (APC) and the imcumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who is seeking for a return on the Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) platform.

Tension heightened in Benin, Edo State capital in the.week, as some House of Assembly members who have not taken an oath of office over political wranglings, but loyal to Adams Oshiomhole sworn themselves into office and tried to forcefully take over the Assembly.

The chaos saw security agents taking over the House of Assembly complex which the State government claimed was undergoing renovation.