Kogi East Elders’ Council (KEEC) has demanded for the immediate declaration of a State of Emergency and the postponement of the scheduled Saturday, November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state.
The elders premised that demand on the escalating state of insecurity in parts of Kogi State in which they also accused the state government of using security agencies to intimidate and harass voters particularly in Kogi East.
The elders’ council in a statement by Alphonsus K. Alhassan, Secretary, Political Committee, specifically pointed accusing fingers at the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bertrand Onuoha, the State Director of DSS, Navy Commander NU Akalezi, and Superintendent of Police Ojo, as being responsible for the intimidation and harassment of voters.
The KEEC specifically accused the Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration of using one Friday Makama, an allege known thug and gun runner, to further intimidate and harass voters. The Kogi East elders therefore demanded the arrest and prosecution of Makama to serve as a deterrent to others.
The KEEC’s call for a State of Emergency followed what they described as growing concerns about the security situation in Kogi State, even as they noted that recently, there has been a surge in violence in the state including kidnappings, armed robberies, and political assassinations.
The Elders’ Council said that they were not oblivious of possible resistance from the State government with regard to the postponement of the gubernatorial election particularly against the backdrop of the fact that the state government had spent millions of naira on the election campaign in sponsoring a candidate.
The KEEC however insisted that a State of Emergency was desired in the State to ensure that the upcoming election is free and fair and to enable security agencies to focus on restoring law and order in the state.
The KEEC is a body of elders representing the interests of the people of Kogi East.
