The atmosphere is heating up as the Nigeria Football Federation’s elective congress is a few hours away from taking place in Benin City with various camps and blocs putting final touches to their plans in emerging in positions they are contesting.
A lot of ‘kites’ are flying across the media spaces and a lot of untrue stories are being peddled by desperados and enemies of Nigerian football. Amongst these is a story that Edo state is not safe for the election.
As against the untrue story flying around that Edo State is not safe for the Nigeria Football Federation elective Congress scheduled to take place in Benin City on September 30th, the city is very safe and okay to stage the election.
The Edo State Government on Wednesday, September 28 declared a 24-hour curfew in the Obazagbon to Ogheghe axis of the Irhirhi-Arogba-Obazagb n-Ogheghe Road in Benin metropolis.
The exercise took off from midnight on September 29 and will end at midnight on September 30 as stated in the public notice signed by the Secretary to the Edo State government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. The letter reads “This is to notify the general public that the Edo State government has declared a curfew in the Obazagbon to Ogheghe axis of the Irhirhi-Arogba-Obazagbon-Ogheghe Road for 24 hours.
“Government is conducting a security operation in the area and warns members of the communities to steer clear of the Obazagbon to Ogheghe axis of the road, so as not to endanger themselves.
“Residents in the area are advised to stay indoors, as the government embarks on the security exercise.”
It should however be noted that the story flying around that the curfew will affect the election is nothing but a way to disrupt an already well-planned election with every security detail worked on.
For the sake of people coming from other parts of the country, here’s an explanation of the areas under curfew and how it will not in any way affect the election.
Election venue
The election will take place somewhere in the GRA, more than 30 kilometres from the election location. The location will be under heavy security protection against any miscreants, physical or metaphysical.
Secondly, the region is not an area any of the delegates or aspirants or journalists would have sought to secure accommodation, going by the distance, so there won’t be any reason for anyone involved in the election to go to such an area. People travelling by road from the South have no business with the route. Participants from the East will pass through Asaba, so they have no worries with the areas under curfew while the northern friends also have no business with the route.
Adequate Security
Every participant in the forthcoming election has nothing to worry about concerning the election as the security operatives have been briefed ahead of the elective congress and they are ready to secure the lives and property of every stakeholder in the election.
According to a security Chief in the state, everything is in place for the election and they are sure there won’t be any miscreants who would want to disrupt the election.
“Well, anyone is free to rant and make cheap threats, but be sure that we are fully guarded to protect those coming for their legitimate business: “The security Chief who pleaded anonymity quipped.
Oba of Benin Palace 
Kada Cinema
Meanwhile, for the sake of tourists amongst the election participants, there are beautiful places to visit for you to while away time before and after the election.
Bronze Casting Village Igun 
Ogba Zoological Garden
Amongst these are Kada Cinema along Sapele road; National Museum at Ringroad; Oba’s Palace at Ringroad; Ancient Igun Bronze Casting Village; Ogba Zoological Garden; Ekai Amusement Park at Sapele road; Ebohon Cultural Center along off Eweka, Sapele road and others