Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The gubernatorial candidate of African Action Congress, Engr. Austin Achimugu, has strongly condemned the recent violent incidents occurring in Kogi East Senatorial District, resulting in casualties and injuries.
Achimugu while addressing newsmen in Lokoja utterly condemned the deadly act, adding that such should not be allowed to slide in a democratic system where the law exists.
“Democracy should not be about the coercion and terrorism, but rather about persuasion and the exchange of ideas,” Achimugu stated.
Reports indicate that those responsible for the attacks and killings in Kogi East aim to instill fear and suppress political diversity, pushing people to align with a single political ideology.
Democracy revolves around the majority and the freedom of choice, not political tyranny. The residents of Kogi East constitute the majority in Kogi state.
The governorship candidate added that”The people of Kogi have endured enough,” adding that “no one should advance their political ambitions at the expense of our people’s lives.”
He strongly condemned the primitive and atrocious acts of political gangsterism, intimidation, and violence against opponents or their supporters, stressing that they are grave crimes against humanity.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the silence of the federal government regarding these unprovoked acts of state terrorism, which the people clearly recognize. He urgently called upon the federal government to take action.
Achimugu further asserted that the federal government and all security agencies must proactively safeguard the people of Kogi State, with a particular focus on Kogi East.
He declared that the era of elderly individuals speaking while young people perish must be put to an end.
“The occurrence of extrajudicial killings solely due to political allegiances is both alarming and perplexing.
Let us refrain from further dividing the state along ethnic lines. If this pattern persists, it may escalate into a prolonged tribal conflict that could span decades”. He added.
The AAC gubernatorial candidate appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
He also called upon the Acting Inspector General of Police and the new Chief of Army Staff to take immediate action.
Additionally, he urged Governor Yahaya Bello to uphold his oath to protect the lives and property of all residents in Kogi State.
“Ensuring a peaceful and fair election should be his topmost priority at this critical moment, as it would be his most significant legacy”. He added