The Dekina Local Government office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State has been burnt down less ...
The
Dekina Local Government office of the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) in Kogi State has been burnt down less than 24 hours to the State's supplementary elections.
According to the Vanguard, security operatives are still trying to ascertain the cause and persons responsible for the fire.
The governor of the state, Idris Wada has also issued a statewide broadcast ahead of
Saturday’s election.
“You will recall that shortly before the polls, I made a broadcast in
which I encouraged all our people to perform their civic
responsibilities and vote the candidate of their choice. I urged you all
to be of peaceful conduct during and after the Governorship elections.
“As fate will have it, on the night of Sunday, November 22nd, I had
to make another broadcast on the very sad and sudden demise of a former
Governor of our state and candidate of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Prince Abubakar Audu. May his Soul rest in Peace.
“Understandably, the unfortunate event of his loss and the
declaration of the governorship election as inconclusive by the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has thrown our state
into deep uncertainties and apprehensions.
"To enable it complete the process, the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) ordered for a supplementary poll in 91
polling units across 18 Local Government Areas of the state. The events
of the last one week have therefore combined to put our state on the
edge. Indeed, these are trying times for democracy in our state and
country.
“However, we must never lose track of the fact that we are all
brothers and sisters, hence, the need to preserve the peace for which
our people have been known over the years.
“My administration believes in the rule of law and the ability of the
judiciary to do justice. I have therefore approached the Federal High
Court, Abuja, for the resolution of the present stalemate. Judgment is
expected to be delivered by the Court on Friday, 4th December, 2015.
“The Nigerian judiciary has shown itself as the last hope of the
common man. I therefore urge you all, to remain calm, orderly and law
abiding as we await the decision of the Court. All our people across
party lines and Senatorial Zones must remain peaceful. Nobody should
contemplate taking the laws into their hands.
“The Security Agencies will not hesitate to deal with anyone or group
who may attempt any actions that may breach the peace and security of
our state.
“At the end of the day, I have no doubt that the current Kogi experience will enhance jurisprudence and democracy in Nigeria”.
