Elections: Oshiomhole queries Israeli firm's vehicle gifts to Nigerian army

Elections: Oshiomhole queries Israeli firm's vehicle gifts to Nigerian army

Friday, March 27, 2015 7:32 pm


Jethro Ibileke/Benin


Authorities of the 4 Brigade in Benin have received 13 Hilux vans donated by Israeli construction giant, Reynolds Construction Company, for the purpose of monitoring Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Edo state.

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists in Benin, said the vans were secured through the Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolememen.

The Governor said information at his disposal showed that the vehicles would be used to carry soldiers without uniform to intimidate and harass voters. 

He however stressed that Edo people would resist such move.

“We have intelligence that the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen deployed 14 vehicles (Hilux) to the premises of RCC. Thirteen of them were transferred to the headquarters of the 4 Brigade yesterday,” Oshiomhole revealed, adding that he has expressed his concern to the Brigade Commander, Brigadier-Gen. Olajide Laleye that it was improper to accept such vehicles.

The Governor who spoke shortly after the close of the State Security Council meeting, said the Brigade Commander had explained that he actually approached RCC for transport logistics assistance.

Oshiomhole who condemned such move, regretted that the Brigade did not approach the State Government for such assistance and that Isrealis should not be the ones to provide security for Nigeria, described the action of the Brigade as “inappropriate.”

The Governor also said that he drew the attention of the Brigade Commander to the action of Brigadier-Gen. Odidi of the Nigeria Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME) who was allegedly openly canvassing votes for President Jonathan from soldiers, telling them to vote for him, “because PDP was their paymaster.”

While confirming deployment of soldiers to his village, Iyamho to intimidate him, Comrade Oshiomhole said “I am at my best when I am intimidated.”

He also alleged that the PDP has planned to use security operatives to intimidate and harass APC leaders in the state, disclosing that the party Chairman in Orhiomnwon, Matthew Ehigie’s house was on Thursay seached by policemen.

Governor Oshiomhole, however appreciated the peaceful manner political parties and candidates in the state conducted their campaigns and urged them to sustain the tempo during today,s elections to achieve what he called “the Edo culture one man one vote.”

He called on the people of the state to come out en-masse to cast their votes for their preferred candidates, pointing out that election was not war.


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One Comment

  • Musa Dalhatu says:

    please if APC is not ready for the election, they should give way and stop all these baseless excuses

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