Civil Society Organizations Demand Action Against Politicians Inciting Violence In Kogi State....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Over 70 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with a history of advocating for credible elections in Nigeria spanning over two decades have issued a call to action. They are urging the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Governor of Kogi State to promptly address the issue of politicians promoting violence through inciting statements and political chaos, which have resulted in loss of lives and property.

Specifically, the CSOs have requested that the IGP take steps to declare the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Muritala Ajaka, as “wanted” if he continues to disregard Police invitations for investigations into political violence. The CSOs allege that Ajaka has been moving around with “suspected thugs armed to the teeth” and undermining the security efforts of the Police and other agencies, as stated in a recent release by the Kogi State Police Command.

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In a peaceful walk organized by the Coalition for Credible Elections in Nigeria (CCE), Kogi State Young Professionals, and concerned civic organizations in Abuja, the CSOs displayed placards with messages such as “Anyone who ignores Police invitations must be arrested immediately,” “arrest and prosecute killers of Khadijat now,” “Gov. Bello, don’t be soft on promoters of violence,” and “we demand peaceful elections in Kogi State,” among others.

The CSOs emphasized their focus on addressing political violence allegedly orchestrated by some politicians ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State. They called for justice for Khadijat Yahaya, a female All Progressives Congress (APC) supporter, who was allegedly killed by SDP thugs. The CSOs challenged the SDP’s claim that Khadijat was a thug and cited the Kogi State Police Command’s statements about Ajaka’s conduct.

The Kogi State Police Command had stated, “His (Muritala Yakubu) riding rough-shod and engaging in political brinkmanship and brigandage is an ill-wind that blows no one any good. For instance, on the complaint of Breach of Security Against The Executive Governor of Kogi State at Banda on 3rd June 2023, the SDP Candidate Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has consistently refused to honor Police several invitations to give his side of the story! Again, since he applied for Police Security, he was invited to come but till date, he refused to show up, he moves around with a retinue of suspected political thugs armed to the teeth. Consequently, the above facts and scenario, coupled with his recalcitrance and obduracy, have continued to jeopardize Police Investigation and maintenance of law and order in the State.”

In conclusion, the CSOs called on the Nigeria Police to declare Mr. Ajaka “wanted” if he fails to honor Police invitations, moves around with armed thugs, undermines security efforts, and poses a threat to the peace of Kogi State. They stressed that allowing such actions to go unchecked would undermine efforts to combat crime and political violence in Nigeria, especially given the circumstances surrounding the death of Khadijat Yahaya.