The Edo government has urged Nigerians to demonstrate their anger and frustration on election day instead of demonstrating on the streets, disturbing public peace.
On Wednesday, Crusoe Osagie, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s media aide, called on Edo residents to be calm over the ill-implemented Central Bank of Nigeria’s cash swap resulting in cash shortage nationwide.
Mr Osagie, flanked by the commissioner for orientation and communication, Chris Nehikhare, made the call while addressing journalists in Benin over the protest in parts of the Benin metropolis.
Three people were feared dead during a protest in Benin on Wednesday over the cashless policy.
“Edo people should be calm. Save your vengeance and show it on election day by identifying the political party that caused the pain. Be patient, get your PVCs and show your displeasure at the polls. Enthrone the party that can bring succour,” Mr Osagie said.
The commissioner accused the opposition party in the state of being responsible for the protest.
“This is a systematic protest organised across the country. They targeted Edo, Delta, and Oyo states, and these states are PDP states. It does not make sense for PDP states to be attacking PDP infrastructure when the policy causing the problems is an APC policy,” Mr Nehikhare explained.
While admitting that the situation is bad, he told the residents to be patient because the CBN had assured the Edo government that there would be enough money to go around.