US Group Condemns Political Violence, Murder in Ekiti

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

By Eric Ojo

Ekiti Focus Group, a non-governmental organization (NGO) has condemned the recent upsurge in political violence and murder in Ekiti State, saying such dastardly acts should not be condoned in the state.

The group said the outbreak of political violence which led to the death of a member of Ekiti Bibire Coalition, Mr. Foluso Ogundare and others that suffered bullet wounds when some armed assassins and political thugs invaded and disrupted a political gathering in Emure-Ekiti, on Sunday November 3rd, 2013, was a senseless and despicable attack that can never be justified in any manner, whatsoever.

Governor Fayemi of Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria

Members of the Ekiti Bibire Coalition convened a political gathering in Emure-Ekiti on the fateful day they were attacked a gang of political thugs who stormed their meeting and killed Mr. Ogundare while another victim who was hit by the assassin’s bullet, Mrs Beatrice Ige, is presently receiving treatment at the State Teaching Hospital, Ado- Ekiti, according to the report.

The group noted that it is imperative for all political gladiators in the state to know that political superiority does not come from brazen display of violence, intimidation and killing people, adding that such acts only portray politicians in the state as uncivilized and diminish the ideals of common humanity.

“Unfortunately, it seems some agents of darkness, from the bottomless pit of hell are determined to give Ekiti state a bad name. It is our hope that all well meaning Ekiti people and lovers of democracy worldwide will rise up to condemn violence in our polity and say never again!

“We commiserate with the family of the deceased, the late Mr. Foluso Ogundare and wish Mrs. Beatrice Ige a speedy recovery. This killing and unleashing of terror is one too many. It is senseless, despicable and can never be justified in any manner, whatsoever. We hereby condemn the dastardly act in strongest terms”, the group said in statement jointly its President, Samuel Ayodele and General Secretary, Adebanji Dada.

The statement added that what was most disturbing about the development, is the allegation that the perpetrators of this heinous act are known people, allegedly led by an ex and current member of Ekiti House of Assembly.

“Ridiculously, truth is always the first casualty in situations like this in our clime; we can all see how the blame game is playing out. What a shame. We are very sad to once again come out with a press release denouncing political violence, thuggery and assassination in our dear state of Ekiti. Few months ago, in the wake of some politically motivated skirmishes, we made a passionate appeal to all political gladiators to shun violence and embrace peace in the political process of our dear state”, the statement added.

It however expressed optimism that the state government and police will investigate and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. “We fervently hope that the state government and law enforcement agency will get to the root of this matter; it must not be allowed to go the way of other unresolved murders in the state; the perpetrators must be fished out and brought to justice”, it stressed.

Continuing the statement said: “As stakeholders in Ekiti project, it is high time we all came together to seek answers to our political challenges, not the APC, PDP, AP or LP answer , but the right answer that will truly bring peace and development to Ekiti State. We have to accept and be alive to our own responsibility for the future and greatness of the land of our birth.

“In the words of Mahatma Ghandi, we need to accept that: (1) Intolerance is a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. (2) The pursuit of truth does not permit violence on one’s opponent. (3) Nothing good ever comes of violence. And, according to Pope John Paul ll, Social justice cannot be attained by violence. Violence kills what it intends to create. We unequivocally say no to political violence and killing in Ekiti State”.