Suspects Behind Ekiti Bye-Election Violence Arrested, Says Fayemi

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Monday, March 22nd, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has said the suspects behind the violence in Saturday’s bye-election in Ekiti East Constituency 1 of the State House Assembly have been arrested

Fayemi said this in a statement which he shared on his verified Twitter handle with pictures from his visit to the persons affected by the violence

The Governor, who had warned that no one involved in the violence would go unpunished, revealed that the suspects will be taken to court on Monday

He said, “Today, I visited affected persons and families in Omuo-Ekiti following the mayhem that occurred during the botched Ekiti East Constituency 1 bye-election on Saturday. I also visited the palace of Olomuo of Omuo Ekiti as well as stakeholders in the opposition party

Since the beginning of this development, I have been in touch with the heads of all security agencies at the state level to investigate and apprehend the brigands responsible for this tragic assault on our democracy

“As the chief security officer of our state, I have been briefed that the suspected perpetrators of the violence have been arrested. They would be taken to court on Monday and charged appropriately. The peace of our land is not negotiable.

“As I have consistently maintained, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. Political leaders must moderate the excesses of supporters, and not condone any criminal elements in our midst

“Ekiti is ours to build together. Despite our diverse party affiliations, we must work together to protect and defend the sanctity of the electoral process and secure lives and property during elections. This is a bi-partisan imperative that we must achieve together”

A statement issued by the state government said “Governor Fayemi promised that government would settle the medical bills of those in the hospital and lend some help to the families of the deceased to cushion their pains“