Edo govt condemns Tuesday’s Civil society groups violent protest
Edo state Government has condemned Tuesday’s violent protest by some civil society organisations against the pension bill passed by the State House of Assembly, describing the chaos and violence as politically motivated.
A government statement signed by the Mr. John Mayaki, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday, said the condemnation became necessary since the actors, who acted under the guise of being civil society organisation activists, were sponsored by the opposition to carry out the demonstration.
“Edo State Government condemns the violence orchestrated by the leaders of these groups, who sold their conscience to some destructive politicians to either blackmail the budding administration or disrupt our collective peace.’’
“We are disgusted to the extent that the violent attack on Tuesday on innocent citizens was a scene that should have not take place in our society or political process.
“Edo State Government condemns the violence orchestrated by the leaders of these groups, who sold their conscience to some destructive politicians to either blackmail the budding administration or disrupt our collective peace.’’
“We are disgusted to the extent that the violent attack on Tuesday on innocent citizens was a scene that should have not take place in our society or political process.
“Elections are over and it’s time for government to deliver the goods to the people. This administration will not tolerate reckless and lawless attitude of some persons who masquerade as members of civil society organisation.
“We have a mandate given by the good people of Edo state to govern them. And as a responsible government, they should ready to be just and fair to the society, this government cannot be blackmailed by a handful of disgruntled elements.
“We have a mandate given by the good people of Edo state to govern them. And as a responsible government, they should ready to be just and fair to the society, this government cannot be blackmailed by a handful of disgruntled elements.
“We recognise the place of civil society in a democratic world just as lawful means of peaceful protest.
“However, civil society groups must operate within the confines of their law and should know where to draw the line. We must therefore respect each other in a bid to engender a decent and egalitarian society.
“The unnecessary violent protest on Tuesday would be investigated while leaders of the groups must take full responsibility for the irresponsible behaviour.
“We appeal to well meaning Edo people to provide any video clip of the incident to security agencies and investigators so as to bring the perpetrators to book”, Mayaki said.
