The Committee of Benin Elders has called on the people of the ancient city to come out en masse to vote in the March 11 House of Assembly election in the state. This appeal was made on Tuesday in Benin via a statement jointly issued by its Chairman and Secretary, retired Gen. Godwin Abbe, and Dr O. Asemota, respectively.
The elders, in their statement, urged everyone to continue to be law-abiding and peaceful, while discharging their civic responsibility. The statement read in part, "The Committee of Benin Elders has reviewed the current situation nationwide, especially the unfolding political developments and perceived disquiet in a segment of society. The Committee wishes to appeal to everyone to continue to be law-abiding and peaceful."
The statement continued, "We urge our people to discharge their civic duties by going out massively to vote according to the dictates of their conscience in the forthcoming elections slated for Saturday the 11th of March, 2023.
The Committee pleads with all relevant authorities at the national and state levels to continue to remain neutral, provide an environment that is conducive for voting, and protect the lives of citizens, which will all give credibility to the process."
The elders, who are revered in Benin Kingdom for their wisdom and vast experience, emphasized the importance of peaceful and credible elections in the state. They called on all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and security agencies, to work towards a peaceful and transparent electoral process that would reflect the will of the people.
Furthermore, the committee appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be impartial and follow electoral laws strictly to deliver a credible outcome, which would engender confidence in Nigerians and the international community. The elders urged the electoral body to ensure that the election is free, fair, and credible.
The Benin House of Assembly election has been a topic of interest in the state, as political parties and candidates have been campaigning vigorously to win the hearts and minds of the people. The Committee of Benin Elders, being a respected body in the state, has added its voice to the call for peaceful and credible elections.
Their statement is expected to resonate with the people and encourage them to come out en masse to exercise their franchise.