Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed convened a security council meeting last week and two days later addressed the people of the state and made it known that the state government has banned street rallies and campaigns while it also announced the establishment of a Joint Military Task Force. Governor Ahmed who promised that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on the perpetrators of the orgy of violence recorded in Ilorin penultimate Sunday, also said no individual, group or political party will be allowed to disrupt the harmony synonymous with the state.
‘Anyone found to have either contributed to the recent violence or apprehended for involvement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, no matter their status, background or political affiliation. I have approved the establishment of a Joint Military Task Force comprising of the police, army, navy, air force, Department Of State Security, Civil Defence and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), which will assist in providing an extra layer of security and prevent a recurrence of the political violence witnessed in the last couple of days.
As an additional security measure, political street rallies and processions are hereby banned across the state. Only political rallies in the designated areas and with prior notification to the state police command will henceforth be allowed. The State Police command is hereby authorized to ensure full compliance’, he stated. Political parties and their supporters should according to him campaign and solicit votes in a lawful manner and refrain from deploying divisive and inciting rhetoric or instigating violence against real or the perceived opponents.
He also promised that thuggery, vandalism, intimidation and other forms of criminality will no longer be allowed in any part of the state.
The governor who advised those who are aspiring to political leadership to conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner and ensure they prioritize the safety of those they seek to lead, also urged the people of the state to remain calm promising that their security and safety will continue to be protected and guaranteed by the security agencies and that all constitutional means will be deployed to ensure the safety of the people before, during and after the election.
-Akinlolu Abayomi
