By Ayodele Oni
The carnage which greeted the bye election to the vacant seat at Ekiti state House of Assembly has been given much publicity by various segments of the media and stakeholders.
Nobody has, however, rejoiced over the loss of life of three persons during the March 20 bye election at Omuo Ekiti constituency two, which became vacant following the death of a member, Hon Oluwajuwon representing the constituency last year.
But unlike other killings and political carnages that had been experienced in the state in the past, the recent gruesome killings of innocent persons during the Omuo bye election, including a woman police, has again exposed the humane and caring nature of Governor Kayode Fayemi.
From available report, Dr Fayemi, who was far away in Abuja had to rush down to Omuo as the news filtered out about the incident. Even before his arrival, he had sent his words that all those that are found Culpable in the incident should be made to face the wrath of the law.
As the Chief Security Officer of the state, the Governor had directed the state commissioner of police to make sure that the culprits no matter highly placed or their political affiliation, should be dealt with according to the law.
Despite accusations by opposition political parties that he knows and familiarises with some of the suspects, Dr Fayemi on his arrival at Omuo held meetings with political leaders including senator Biodun Olujinmi and the traditional ruler, Oba Noah Omonigbeyin of the community to enable him know the kernel of the matter.
He did not stop there, he went further to visit some of those injured during the incident on their hospital bed urging that they should be given adequate care to safe their life at the expense of the state.
However, one of them, a woman police gave up the ghost as efforts by medical personnel at the federal medical centre, Ido Ekiti could not save her life.
Still displaying the human feeling in him, the governor visited relations of the deceased woman police and others during which he promised state government intervention in their situation, as well as doing everything possible to assist the deceased dependants.
During the visit, Dr. Fayemi Commiserated with the family of the Police woman, Bukola Olawoye shot by suspected thugs during the bye election in Omuo Ekiti.
The Police woman, according Ekiti State Police Command, died Monday evening at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti where she was receiving treatment from gunshots.
Governor Fayemi, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, said it was very pathetic for somebody to die in active service and at a very tender age.
The Governor’s delegation which also included the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Tunde Mobayo, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), Barr Paul Omotoso, and other government officials visited the mother of the deceased and her widower.
“We are saddened by the development. It is quite unfortunate that she would be gunned down while going about her professional duty diligently.
“We have been to the mother’s place and we are here to commiserate with the husband whom we learnt is also a police Officer.”
The Governor explained further that though the police woman was gone but the kind of empathy that is being shown the family shows the value that the administration places on the sanctity of life particularly of people who have devoted their life to serve humanity.
“It is our hope that her death will not be in vain to the Police force and to her immediate family. Our prayer is that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also. the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Tunde Mobayo said that the news of Olawoye’s death was very disturbing to the command.
“it was very shocking when we heard about the news of the demise yesterday, immediately I communicated with the force headquarters about the development and when I told his Excellency the Governor of Ekiti State he sent a very powerful delegation to come and meet me and sympathize with us on the ugly incident.”
And true to his declaration to bring the culprits to face the wrath of the law, three suspects were on Monday 22nd March arraigned before a Chief gtrate Court in Ado Ekiti in connection with the incident.
They are currently been remanded in prison while investigation still continues.
Governor Fayemi is doing all these without taking into consideration political leaning of deceased persons or the suspects that are being tried in connection with the killing. The paramount interest here is human life, which is valuable and should be held sacred.
Several killings of similar nature had happened before in the state and state apparatus was used to suppress investigation, while suspects were given state protection. With Dr Fayemi’s interest and commitment not to give undue cover to lawbreakers, there is hope that next year’s Governorship election and subsequent general elections will be devoid of thuggery and arson.
