APRIL POLLS: EKITI GROUP RAISES CONCERN OVER SECURITY
A Socio-Political group in Ekiti State, the Ekiti Positive Forum (EPF) has called for the provision of adequate security in the State during the general elections, saying; “The situation in Ekiti State now in terms of security of lives and properties calls for concern and the only way the general elections can be free and fair is for adequate security to be provided.”
Rising from its meeting in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, EPF said in a communiqué signed by its secretary, Evang. Gbenga Adekunle that; “It is alarming that under 48 hours, five people were murdered and five students of College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti abducted in Ekiti, a state that was noted for peace and tranquillity.”
The group frown at the spate of killings in the state since the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) took over government last year, adding that; “Politics should not be allowed to degenerate to such a level that sanctity of lives no longer make meaning to political gladiators.” “We are alarmed by the recent incident of killings in Ekiti State, especially the ones that happened last week. It is alarming that less than 48 hours, five people – Ayo Kehinde Faluyi, Micheal Ipindola, Toyin Akinlade, Lawrence Adebayo and Ojo Folagbade were murdered in cold blood.
“Today, we are also being told that thugs and arms are being imported into the State and that fake police uniforms have been procured by some politicians in the State for use during the elections. “We are even more worried that the police confirmed last week that there are fake uniforms in the State, meaning that; there could be fake policemen during the polls.
“It is our view that politics does not mean that you must kill people, politics does not mean that you must beat up people and election too does not mean that you must invade your own father's house with armed thugs.
“Therefore, an end must be put to this culture of winning elections by whatever means and the security agencies must begin with these elections by dealing decisively with the security situation in Ekiti and other parts of the country,” the group said.
While urging vigilance among the people before, during and after the elections, EPF said; “Since the police have said that even the governor cannot move beyond his Isan-Ekiti hometown on the Election Day, the people must be on the lookout for strangers in their domains. “Security agents must also make sure that the no movement order is strictly observed and must not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed to move around with security aides during the elections.”