VANGUARD—–Ahead of tomorrow’s supplementary poll in some polling units in Kogi State, unknown arsonists have torched the Dekina Local Government Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Security operatives are looking for clues to why the office was razed and the people responsible for the arson.
While many people believe it was aimed at frustrating the supplementary election slated for tomorrow, others said it may have been as a result of indiscriminate bush burning by some youths on hunting expedition.
It would be recalled that protests rocked the the Eastern part of the state over the death of Prince Abubakar Audu and the decision of the of the leading party in the election, APC to replace the late Audu with Alhaji Yahaya Bello from Kogi Central.
Meanwhile, the governor of the state, Capt. Idris Ichala Wada has called on the citizens of the state to ensure maintenance of law and order, as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja is poised to deliver judgement on the Kogi political impasse today.
In a statewide broadcast to the people of the state, the governor asked the people of the state to refrain from taking laws in their hands, saying law enforcement agents will not hesitate to deal with trouble perpetrators.
“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 loose 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”.
