The Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) has called on the residents of Edo State Edo to shun violence and conduct themselves peacefully during the gubernatorial polls scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The President of the non-partisan organisation, Mr Henry Egbiki, made the appeal in Lagos following recent media reports of violence in some parts of the state with regard to the election.
He advised the Edo people in general to come out en masse and cast their votes peacefully for the candidates of their choice.
Egbiki further advised the political parties and their candidates to counsel their supporters and agents to maintain peace and avoid violence and any situation that could engender crisis during the election.
He also counseled the people to have the fear of God and never take governance as a do or die affair.
“Recognise the fact that only the living can govern and be governed; the victory of any candidate is not worth the blood of any Edo citizen,” he added.
Besides, the AEP helmsman called on the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and all other stakeholders involved in the election to ensure a level playing field for all the candidates.
“They should carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour so that the outcome will be free, fair and credible,” he added, and admonished the voters to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and eschew any form of bitterness.
