By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

The Coalition of Election Observer Groups has condemned the attack on one of its members, Mr Destiny Enabulele during Aug.16 by-election in Edo, calling for an urgent investigation.

The Coalition’s Secretary-General, Mr Benedict Okpara, described the attack as “unprovoked and mindless de-humanisation’’, at a news conference in Abuja.

Okpara called for the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators.

“Enabulele, a respected civic leader and former President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations in Edo, was viciously attacked alongside two of his aides at Ozolua Model Primary School, Ward 1, Unit 1 in Iguobazuwa,” Okpara said.

He explained that the incident occurred while Enabulele was attempting to cast his vote and was accosted and attacked by thugs.

“Enabulele and his aides sustained multiple injuries and were robbed of their personal belongings, including phones, ATM cards, shoes and voter cards,’’ he said.

Okpara described the incident as a clear violation of a citizen’s constitutional rights.

“We consider the unprovoked attack and de-humanisation suffered by our member in the course of carrying out his civic responsibility as a violation of his fundamental rights of franchise, as enshrined and guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended,” he said.

Okpara further stated that the assault on Enabulele was not just an attack on an individual but an attempt to intimidate voters and discredit the democratic process.

He added that the “unfortunate event, strongly rooted in desperation at manipulating the electoral process, cast very serious doubt on the credibility of the elections.”

Okpara urged the Nigerian Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conduct a full-scale and transparent investigation and make their findings public.

Okpara also stressed the need to protect credible eyewitnesses and encourage them to testify.

He warned that such act of violence and intimidation could lead to greater political unrest in the state.

Okpara said that the coalition would pursue all lawful means to protect its members and ensure that justice is served.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and stand against political intimidation and electoral violence, reaffirming the group’s commitment to democracy, transparency and the rule of law. (NAN)