Gov’t suspends Edo NULGE election as gunshots mar voting

The Edo State Government on Thursday suspended the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Edo State chapter, election as a result of violence. It was gathered that the process, which started on a peaceful note, turned violent following gunshots that eventually disrupted the election. ‎Daily Trust reports that the election, which was simultaneously held […]

The Edo State Government on Thursday suspended the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Edo State chapter, election as a result of violence.

It was gathered that the process, which started on a peaceful note, turned violent following gunshots that eventually disrupted the election.

‎Daily Trust reports that the election, which was simultaneously held across the 18 local government areas of the state, ended in violence in some councils as armed thugs allegedly invaded the venue of the elections.

In Uhunmwode and Igueben local government areas, it was gathered that delegates who declined to vote for a particular candidate were assaulted and chased away from the election venues by armed thugs.

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‎A delegate in one of the local government areas, who only gave his name as Esohe, attributed the disruption to imposition.

“A particular council chairman wrote the names of candidates he wanted to emerge as executives of NULGE in the council,” he said.

‎He said trouble started when other candidates were in a clear lead in the election, leading to political thugs shooting sporadically to disrupt the election.

“They chased everyone away and destroyed the ballot box,” he said.

Following the violence, the Edo State Local Government Commission, in a letter addressed to the President of NULGE in the state, ordered the suspension of the elections in the 18 councils.

He said the commission noted with concern the increasing number of petitions, disputes, and growing unrest among staff of the Unified Local Government Service.

The letter, signed by the secretary of the Commission, Odigie George, read in parts, “the development allegedly resulted in shootings and injuries sustained by staff as captured in viral video clips presently in circulation.

‎”In order to safeguard the peace, security, and ‎industrial relations of staff, the Commission hereby announces the immediate postponement of all ongoing NULGE branch elections pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders,” he said.