Kogi Tackles SDP Guber Candidate on Security Allegations

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Following the frivolous allegations laid against the Kogi State Government by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the state government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to him to prove all the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt with evidence or face the wrath of the law.

While addressing journalists in Lokoja yesterday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwa, said the state government would not submit itself to politics of intimidation and ethnic bigotry, and religious profiling, noting that as a matter of fact, the government has given everyone a level playing ground without fear of favour.

 Fanwo told journalists that: “We have called you today to brief you about happenings in the state as it relates to managing security ahead of the 2023 governorship election in the state. It is imperative for you as newsmen to be abreast of development to report them correctly, accurately, and objectively.

“The recent happening at Ejule was a necessary stitch-in-time led by security agents in the state to rid our state of criminality. For the umpteenth time, we reiterate our endorsement of the operation that has brought down insecurity in that area by over 40 percent.

The late Kabir Bala popularly known as Okwo was a terror in the east, kidnapping and raping young women and housewives as well as terrorising the entire Kogi East. Motorists traversing the state were subjected to the ‘Okwo levy’ to the embarrassment of the state, among other acts of extreme intimidation and criminality.

“Chapter 4, Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states extensively about the various rights conferred on the citizens of Nigeria, one of which is the right to life. But these rights have limitations. Kabir Bala opened fire on security operatives with the intent to murder them.

“According to the report by the security agencies, they engaged his gang at this point and he was neutralised in the process. A person who attempts to evade lawful arrest and even attempts to kill security agents can no longer hold on to such rights. His killing couldn’t be termed extra-judicial by any standard.

“The question you need to ask the SDP fans of the late Kabir Bala is: What is their interest in the criminal enterprise of the last crime loaded? Was there a pact between them and the late notorious leader to assassinate members of other parties? We are patiently waiting for the law enforcement agents to unravel the mystery by inviting those making unguarded, reckless statements without minding the opprobrium of being associated with a serial killer.

Our Government will not submit its authority to criminals.”

He added: “As a government, we will do everything within the curve of the law to guarantee a peaceful poll in November. It is our responsibility to give confidence to our people that they are free from attacks while exercising their franchise.

“Intimidation, ethnic and religious profiling and other anti-social and unconstitutional act will be met with stiff resistance. It is our duty to the people to create a conducive atmosphere for all voters.”