By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Kogi state, Mr Aloysius Okino,has decried the incessant attacks on innocent people recorded in his Constituency and else where in the state.
Okino expressed his feeling on Saturday during a sensitisation visit he paid to the people of Gadumo Primary School Polling Unit in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.
“The security situation in Ajaokuta Local Government Area is so worrisome and unacceptable,because our people are living in fear.
“We are appealing to the government and security operatives to take drastic measures to restore peace and stability, in not only Ajaokuta but all parts of Kogi, ” he pleaded.
Okino, who described the development as “very terrifying” called on the people to engage in ceaseless prayer for God’s mercy and protection.
On the forthcoming electioneering campaign and the 2023 general elections, Okino advised electorate in the state, especially those in the local government area,to shun political apathy and come out en-masse to vote leaders they trust could change the current narrative in Nigeria for the better.
The candidate said that he and his entourage were at the polling unit to harp on the need for them to take the forth coming general elections as a serious exercise.
“Don’t be afraid but come out with your voter’s card and cast your votes as your constitutional right.
“By the new Electoral Act, it is certain that your votes will count this time around, ” he assured.
The House of Representatives candidate congratulated the people of the new polling unit for the development and urged them to use the opportunity to exercise their civic right and elect credible and responsibility people for good governance come 2023.
Responding, the Chairman the polling unit, Mr Alex Yusuf, thanked Okino and his entourage for the visit.
Yusuf, who said the electorate at the polling unit were armed with their PVCs for the 2023 polls, wished Okino and other party’s candidates,in the race, victory during the election.
The Reporters recalls that Ajaokuta has been recording peace breaches in recent time resulting in some unpalatable consequences such as killing police men,among other victims as well as kidnapping.
However, Kogi State Governnent says it is not resting on its oars in ensuring the restoration of peace not in the local government area but other dark spots in the state, according to its Information and Communications Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo.
Fanwo,in a statement he made available to Journalists in Lokoja,
said: The State Government remains accountable to the people as it is working assiduously to rescue the three children abducted in Ajaokuta LGA unhurt.
” Kogi State is known for distinguishing herself in ensuring security of lives and property of not only the residents, but also travellers across the state which shares borders with nine other states and the Federal Capital Territory.
” In as much as we activate dynamism in our security architecture and strategy, we recognise the fact that some cowards will sometimes try to undermine our efforts. What we have always done in such circumstances is to go after the criminals, apprehend them and bring them to justice.
” Immediately the unfortunate report was brought to the attention of the State Government, our administration spread our security net in working with the conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the abducted children are rescued alive and the cowards who abducted them brought to book.
”In Kogi State, the life of everyone matters. The Governor and the Government of Kogi State understand that the number one responsibility of Government is the protection of the lives and property of the citizens. The Kogi State Government will never shirk such responsibility.
”We wish to assure Kogi residents that Government will remain vigilant in protecting the people.
” We urge the people of Ajaokuta and indeed, Kogi State in general to go about their normal businesses as we have put in place stringent security measures to ensure the safety of all.
” The Governor is personally coordinating the rescue efforts in collaboration with the security chiefs in the state as well as local vigilante groups. There is already a massive deployment to the area to achieve results.
”We urge the Federal Government to resuscitate the Ajaokuta Steel Project as some of the abandoned facilities and structures in the town harbor criminal elements.
” We have apprehended many criminals and averted many potential blood-bath situations as a result of your volunteering intelligence. We need to do more now to promote security without which there can’t be prosperity.
” Community leaders, political actors and everyone must plug into our security architecture and efforts at keeping our state safe.
In another statement made available to The Reporters,the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO for the Police Command in the state,SP William Ovye Aya, revealed that the Commissioner of Police,CP Edward Egbuka, has deployed his men to go after the criminals in Ajaokuta and rescue the victims unhurt.
He added that the security personnel were also directed to arrest the criminals and make them face Justice.
The Reporters with agency report.
