Popular human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN says the relative peace experienced during Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State was due to fear.
There had been apprehension in many quarters that the election would be marred by violence and set the tone for the 2023 general election.
Piqued by this, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on September 2 summoned the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki to his palace, over their hot verbal exchanges, clashes among their supporters and pockets of violence that had characterised their campaigns.
However, many pundits were dumbfounded as the election held without major incidence of violence.
Taking to Facebook, Adegboruwa said the political gladiators composed themselves because of fear of sanctions from the United States, United Kingdom and other western powers.
In the post titled “My Take on Edo Election”, the senior lawyer said that the leaders were afraid that they could be restricted from visiting the western nations for medical and other important reasons if caught promoting electoral violence.
“Edo Election was determined by the US, EU and the western powers. As simple as that. Whoever they favour will always carry the day.
“So it was in 2015 so it is now.
“Our leaders are scared to be placed under visa restrictions, where they may not be able to access their loot and have opportunity for good medical treatment.
“This is what has led to peace in Edo.
“If America and the Western powers want it, election in Nigeria will always be free.
“Secondly, whether we agree or not, President Buhari has also shown himself to be a good leader, in allowing the will of the people to prevail.
“Above it all, we salute the courage of the Edo electorate, very enlightened and vigilant,” Adegboruwa said.
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