More Confusion in Edo Elections, As Oshiomole amends public holiday announcement to Disenfranchise Some Sectors

Barely two days to the earlier postponed Edo 2016 elections which was original billed to hold on 10th of September, but shifted to September 28th; governor Adams Oshiomole has again demonstrated another round of very undemocratic tendencies. 

The governor it was alleged, to be behind the earlier scheme to shift the much awaited elections of the state from September 10th, to September 28th, after his party became aware that they were

heading to a lost at the polls if elections were held on the original date. However, in settling for a new date, it will appear that those at the helms of the affairs in INEC and government, completely  forgot 28th September was a working day, which the PDP again raised alarm of the likely-hood of people being disenfranchise in some sectors; as many workers especially in the private sectors may not be able to take part in the elections for economic reasons, noting that the harsh realities on ground (economic recession) were already enough.

In response, the ruling party in the state, the APC declared a two-day holiday September 27 and September 28 in the state to allow all workers take part in the elections. 

Governor Adams Oshiomhole had made the announcement himself at an event organised in his honour by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in Benin.

The governor explained that the holidays was aimed at providing all eligible voters with the opportunity to relocate to their respective areas of registration.

He said that the work-free days would also allow the voters to exercise their constitutional rights.

However, in what appears to be a twist, and the first of its kind in our democracy, the  Government in Edo state, led by Adams Oshiomole, has exempted banks and corporate organisations from the public holiday declared for Tuesday, September 27 and Wednesday 28.

According to the government's new press release, the public holiday which was earlier declared to enable voters in the state travel to their various locations and exercise their voting rights on Wednesday, September 28; would now exempt Banks and corporate community in order not to slow down the economy of the state.

The general public should, however, note that the public holiday on Wednesday, September 28 affects everyone in the state as there is a restriction of movement on the election day in accordance with the Electoral Act.  

This new announcement to many, is  a form of disenfranchisement, as many workers may not be able to travel at night after closing from work on Tuesday evening to enable them to vote in their respective village or places of registration. We also do hope that this is another another scheme by the government of the day to shift Edo elections again?