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Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has condemned the
pockets of violence that characterized Saturday’s election, which led to the
death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Temitope Olatoye, and
others, as highly depressing and regrettable.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and
Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji, on Sunday, the governor said he was saddened by the
turn of events, which he said was antithetical to the pervading peace in the
state.
He said that the desperation and do-or-die that attended the
election was uncalled for since the candidates in the governorship and Assembly
election were in the race to serve the people and not themselves.
Commiserating with the families of Olatoye and others who
reportedly lost their lives in the election, the governor assured the citizens that
the perpetrators would be brought to justice irrespective of their political affiliation
and status.
The governor warned that the state government would not
allow any individual or group to truncate the had-fought peace and security that
the state had enjoyed in the last eight years.
Ajimobi said, “I’m greatly saddened by the pockets of
violence that attended yesterday’s (Saturday) election; although the circumstances
surrounding the violence and loss of lives are still hazy. It is heartrending that
Hon Olatoye and others had to die because of election.
“Nobody’s ambition should be worth the blood or life of any
citizen. I’m, therefore, appalled that some unscrupulous politicians and their followers
have turned this contest into a do-or-die affair, which is alien to democratic
norms in saner climes.
“We struggled hard for this democracy, and for it to be
entrenched we must eschew every act of bitterness, desperation and foul play
during elections. In life, you win some contests and you lose some. If we
imbibe this philosophy, we will take every victory and defeat with equal
measure of equanimity.
“I have been in regular touch with all the security agencies
since yesterday and they have assured me that the situation had been brought
under control. May I use this opportunity to implore them to redouble their
efforts and ensure the safety of lives and property going forward.”
The governor condoled with the families of Olatoye and others
that lost their lives to Saturday’s skirmishes and prayed for the repose of their
soul.
Ajimobi enjoined citizens of the state to be law abiding and
to go about their lawful activities without fear of molestation, warning those spreading
rumours of renewed violence within the city to desist from such unpatriotic act.
Communication Team Governor’s OfficeIbadan
