LP candidate urged to take action on billboard vandalism by Edo Govt

The Edo State Government encouraged Barrister Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate for governor on September 21, 2024, on Friday to deal with the internal party conflict instead of holding the party accountable for damaging his campaign billboards across the state.

The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, gave advice during a press conference in Benin City in response to the accusations made by the Labour Party governorship candidate, according to Obasanjonews.com.

During the news conference on Friday, June 7, 2024, Olumide Akpata, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, said that the Edo State Government had sponsored its agents to demolish his campaign billboards throughout the state.

According to Obasanjonews.com, the Labour Party in the state had split into groups led by Barrister Julius Abure, the party’s national chairman, and Barrister Olumide Akpata, the candidate for governor.

Read Also: LP candidate receives sympathy from Edo govt for billboard removal

While Julius Abure supports the newly established 17-member caretaker committee led by Elizabeth Ativie, the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Olumide supports the disbanded state executives led by Kelly Ogbaloi.

In a statement made available to reporters, Nehikhare urged the Labour Party’s governorship candidate to put his party’s internal problems first and strive to promote stability and harmony inside the organisation.

In order to benefit all citizens, he also counselled the gubernatorial candidate that they should all work to advance a nonviolent and inclusive election process.

While denouncing vandalism in all its forms, the commissioner asked all those engaged in the act to deal with such matters through the appropriate procedures.

“We are aware of Mr. Olumide Akpata’s complaints about the dismantling of his campaign billboard. Although we sympathise with Mr. Akpata’s dissatisfaction, we advise him to resolve any unresolved issues or costs by speaking with the appropriate organisations in charge of managing signs.

“Violent or disobedient threats have no place in our democratic process, and all participants should act honourably and legally.

It is imperative that we put more emphasis on productive communication and nonviolent action than on strategies that could fuel discord or instability.

“Regardless of one’s status or affiliation, the government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will address any disruptive behaviour,” he declared.