Ahead of November governorship election in Kogi state, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has cried out of persistent attacks on its members and supporters across the state.
The party accused Governor Yahaya Bello of sponsoring attacks on supporters of its governorship candidate, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka.
Addressing newsmen in Lokoja on Wednesday, Director General, New Media, Muri/Sam Campaign Council, Isaiah Davies Ijele, said SDP supporters had been attacked in Dekina, Ofu, Lokoja and other parts of the state.
“Security situation in Kogi beyond human comprehension. Are we in a war zone? Politics is not war, neither is it a do or die contest.
“If the Yahaya Bello led administration has done well in last 7 years there should be no need for violent coercion.
“Houses of some of supporters have been burnt to ashes in Ankpa, Ugwolawo and Dekina. Their thugs shoot and attack people at will. GYB is calling for anarchy.
“We called on the Inspector General of Police and DSS to come to our aid in Kogi state.
“Bello is trying to taint the image of President Bola Tinubu with his continued violent acts.
“All eyes must be on Kogi state. All eyes must be on Yahaya Bello,” he said.
Ijele appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call Bello to order, while insisting that Murtala Yakubu Ajaka is unstoppable in the race for the state’s number one seat as the people have made up their minds on who they want as the next governor.
Director General of the campaign council, Sheikh Jibrin Ibrahim, said the worst of Yahaya Bello will be better than the best of his anointed candidate, the APC flag bearer, Alhaji Usman Ododo.
”We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. They are attacking and killing our supporters in Lokoja, Ankpa, Ugwolawo, Oforachi, Dekina Town, Umomi, Emewe Opada and other parts of Kogi East.
“As we speak, no less than two of our supporters have been missing for days. No one, including the security agencies, know their whereabouts. Muri/Sam campaign director in Dekina was recently attacked. His house and motorcycle were burnt.
”The worst of Yahaya Bello is better than the successor he is bringing now. We are not in a banana republic. We can’t continue to leave in fear in our own state.
“A man who can’t pay salaries, secure his people and has made Lokoja the worst state capital is not fit to bring a candidate who will complicate Kogites problem.
“Election is not war. It is what you have and market. Kogites have decided that all what they want is Muritala Yakubu Ajaka,” Sheikh said.
Other top SDP chieftains at the press briefing included Col Suleiman Babanawa, a former commissioner in the state, Abdulrahman Wuya and a host of others.
However, the APC Campaign Council’s Spokesman, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, had denied sponsoring any attack against SDP supporters in the state.
“We are a Government and our priority is to protect all the people of Kogi State, irrespective of political leanings.
“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,” he said.
Fanwo said that all allegations without proof are as good as no allegations.
