The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party has expressed sadness over the loss of two voters in last Saturday’s elections, noting that electoral violence must be discouraged and phased out.
The deceased include Festus Idahosa, 33, and Elizabeth Owie, a 43-year-old mother of three.
At the residence of the deceased, the state chairman of the party, Kelly Igbaloi, described Elizabeth as a gallant lady who epitomised the ideals of the party. He commiserated with the family of the deceased and promised that the LP would stand by the family.
He said, “It is a loss of a gallant lady. Her death is regrettable. If it is possible, we would have brought her back to life. We grieve as a party and we commiserate with the family and are not on this condolence visit to score a cheap political point.
“Idahosa shouldn’t have been killed because he went to decide the future of the country by going out to vote.
“The LP will do its best to see that the families are supported and not left alone at this time of grief,” he added.
Also speaking, the Edo South senator-elect, Neda Imasuen, said the death of the two persons was sad and should have been prevented.
He said, “This should not have happened to anyone that goes out to perform his or her civic duty. We will be in touch with the family at this time and give them the necessary support.
“It is time for the authorities to put an end to electoral violence. We cannot afford to lose responsible citizens as a result of the activities of thugs,” he added.
The families of the deceased thanked the Labour Party chairman, senator-elect, and other executives for identifying with the families at this time.
