Kogi: SDP, APC Trade Blame Over Spate Of Election Violence; “Nobody Has Monopoly Of Violence”, SDP Warns

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the November governorship election in Kogi state, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) have been trading words over continued attacks on opposition members in the State.

SDP on Wednesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to wade in and stop incessant attacks and carnages occasioned by the Governorship electioneering in Kogi.

Mr Isaiah Ijele, the Director General, New Media, SDP Campaign Council, made the plea at a news conference in Lokoja.

Ijele alleged that innocent citizens are being maimed and killed across the state by sponsored political thugs.

According to him, members and supporters of the SDP Governorship Candidate, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka, were constantly under attack, allegedly, sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

But the APC Campaign Council’s Spokesman, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, denied that the Party is sponsoring any attack against SDP supporters in the State.

Ijele, in his accounts, said: “There were gun shots throughout the night of Tuesday in Anyigba and Ankpa towns where houses and property of innocent SDP supporters were vandalized and destroyed.

“Our campaign Coordinator in Anyigba and his family were victims as they were chased away from their house, and property destroyed, including his motorcycle.

“As it is now, two persons are missing as a result of the attacks being unleashed on Ajaka’s supporters across the Kogi East.

“We are under siege, given the intimidation, harassment and attacks on us simply because of the humongous support our governorship candidate is enjoying in the state.

“As law abiding citizens, we are appealing to the President and the Inspector General of Police to come to our aid by calling Governor Yahaya Bello to order.

“Election is not a war nor do or die affairs, but a game of numbers based on candidates’ pedigree and acceptability before the electorate.”

He warned that nobody has the monopoly of violence but that courtesy demands that people of Kogi should be allowed to peacefully choose the person they want to govern them on Nov. 11.

“We want the quick intervention of the President to save the lives of innocent citizens before they are brutalized and destroyed by sponsored political thugs.”

But, Fanwo, the APC Spokesperson, debunked the SDP’s claims, saying: “We are a Government and our priority is to protect all the people of Kogi State, irrespective of political leanings.”

Fanwo said that all allegations without proof are as good as no allegations.

“As a Government, our concern and responsibility is to create an enabling environment for all to pursue their normal businesses.

“The SDP is a nest of funny birds that cry by the pain of their losses rather than the action of anyone.

“We won’t glorify them and we won’t be dragged into their frivolities, gasping lies and lack of direction.”