….Fayemi, Fayose condemn killings
Ibe Pascal Arogorn
Following the crisis that characterized Saturday’s Ekiti East Constituency 1 bye-election, the Independent National Electoral commission, INEC has suspended the election indefinitely.
The Resident Electoral commissioner, Dr Adeniran Tella announced this while addressing newsmen in OMUO EKITI.
Dr Tella explained that the suspension was based on violence that characterised the exercise in some polling unit in OMUO EKITI.
He alleged that three persons persons were shot dead while a police woman, corps member and INEC staff sustained gunshot injuries which necessitated the suspension of the exercise.
Tella said the poll was disrupted in some polling units in Obadore, saying that the safety of electoral officials, materials and Security personnel could no longer be guaranteed.
According to him, “The exercise commenced on a good note in a peaceful and orderly manner. However, at about 10.00 am there were reported cases of violence:
“In two (2) PUs of ward 09 (Obadore IV); polling unit 8 (Baba Egbe houselodouro/Odoule) & polling unit 9 (Beside Baba Egbe/Odouru/Odoule) i. Polling unit 07 (Aro street/Aro) of ward 07 (Obadore lI).
“In PU 07, ward 07 three (3) voters were shot dead while a youth corper, a police woman and an INEC staff sustained gunshot wounds.
“Under this circumstance, the safety of electoral officials, security personnel and election materials as well as the credibility of the process cannot be guaranteed.
“The State Commissioner of Police is fully aware of the situation.
“It is unfortunate that in spite of the effort of the Commission in giving Nigerians free, fair, credible and inclusive election, some people appear to be unprepared for an improved electoral process.
“The situation is such that, a conducive environment no longer exists for further electoral activity at the PUs and the Collation centers.
“In view of this development, the Commission has suspended the election forthwith”
Policewoman, two others killed
Three persons have been killed by thugs in the bye-election for Ekiti East constituency (I) seat in the state house of assembly.
A policewoman was among those killed when violence broke out during the election on Saturday.
The deceased policewoman is said to be a nursing mother.
The Ekiti East constituency (I) seat became vacant following the death of Juwa Adegbuyi, the former representative. Adegbuyi passed away in February.
Several vehicles were also vandalised during the violence at different polling units.
Biodun Olujimi, senator representing Ekiti South, narrowly escaped getting attacked by the thugs.
TheCable understands that the thugs went on a rampage in her polling units in Omuo Ekiti.
A witness said the thugs are in the employ of some politicians who have an interest in the bye-election.
The police command in the state had on Friday announced a restriction of movement ahead of the election.
Sunday Abutu, Ekiti police spokesperson, had said the restriction was to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Abutu had said the restriction was for vehicular and pedestrian movement in and out of the Ekiti East LGA, except those on essential duties.
Fayemi, Fayose condemn killings
Both the Ekiti State goveror, Dr Kayode Fayemi and his predecessor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on Saturday, condemned the violence that marred the Saturday’s Ekiti East Constituency’s by-election into the state House of Assembly where three persons were said to have lost their lives.
Fayem condemned, in strong terms, the violence, saying that “no one involved in the dastardly act would go unpunished.”
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi asked the Commissioner of Police, Tunde Mobayo, to arrest all those involved in the violence “regardless of their party affiliation.”
Fayemi said: “This violence is most unwarranted and deeply disturbing. I have instructed the police authorities to fish out the perpetrators and ensure they face the music.
“Our condolences to the families that lost loved ones and those who were injured. Government would not relent in efforts to always ensure safety of lives and properties. We shall ensure all purveyors of violence are brought to book.”
While commiserating with the families of those that died, the governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to upholding the sacredness of life and sanctity of the electoral process.
Also, The former governor of the state, Mr Ayodele Fayose, condemned the killings, describing it as “clear evidence of state-sponsored terrorism against its own citizens who have rejected the party in government.”
Fayose, in a statement he personally signed, said the killings of the three citizens in Omuo-Ekiti were shameful and a clear indication that the people have rejected the ruling party.
He said: “I thought we have gone past this barbarism in Ekiti State especially when we are confronted with national insecurity to which the government has no solution.
“What was witnessed today in Omuo Ekiti is nothing but terrorism against the people of Ekiti, knowing that time has caught up with them and they are no longer popular.
“This will remain a guilt in the conscience of the perpetrators and their sponsors perpetually for killing their own people just because of a mere House of Assembly by-election.
“Most importantly, everything that goes round in life comes round. The perpetrators of this despicable act should therefore remember that there will be consequences for all actions because the blood of the dead will surely speak and fight back.
“To the police in Ekiti, they know what to do and the people behind all these, if only they choose not to look away. Ekiti shall be free again if we collectively confront and win this battle against fake apostles of democracy.”
