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OLURIN ADDRESSES EKITI POLITICAL PARTIES LEADERS | |
AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BRIG. GEN. ADETUNJI IDOWU OLURIN (RTD) AT THE INTERACTIVE MEETING WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE STATE ON FRIDAY 16TH MARCH 2007 AT ADETILOYE BANQUET HALL, TRADE FAIR COMPLEX, ADO-EKITI.ProtocolIt has become necessary to convene this interactive meeting of leadership of political parties and the aspirants to address the rising political tension in the State as we move towards the April 2007 general election.You will recall that Emergency Rule was imposed on Ekiti State by His Excellency, the President of Nigeria in 19th October 2006 as a result of lingering political tension, which became a threat to public peace and order in the State. The imminent breakdown of law an order then posed serious danger to the peaceful co-existence of all and sundry in the State. In my maiden address to the people of the State on assumption of office as the Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the State, I assured all interest groups that I shall refrain from being dragged into the muddy water of politics stressing that my primary assignment would be directed at reconciliation and pacification of all stakeholders in the State.During my first interactive session with the leaders of the political parties in the State, we reviewed together the political situation on ground and confirmed that the State was ridden with high level of insecurity induced politically for the inordinate ambition of some politicians for political positions. We all agreed here then to work together to achieve the much desired peace and order. Based on the outcome of that meeting, I put in place strategies to restore peace and order in the State and provided level playground for all political parties and their aspirants within the confines of the law of the land without any hindrance. I also opened my doors to leaders of political parties and other stakeholders for dialogue without any restraint.You will agree with me that the political tension, which was at its peak at that time, was doused drastically; political activities took place without rancor or violence. This administration has been quite friendly and open to all and sundry in the resolve to ensure genuine reconciliation. On several occasions, I have had cause to remind stakeholders in Ekiti project of the primary assignment of this Emergency Rule which is to restore peace and stability and that the friendliness and openness of this administration should not be taken as weakness. Those who induce tension into political activities in the name of building the State for their own self-interest are indeed enemies of the people. We should not forget too soon what led to the Emergency Rule in Ekiti and the powers of the Administrator in an Emergency Rule. I wish to reiterate that this Administration has the responsibility to checkmate any act perceived as a threat to peace and stability of the State. Therefore, any political party, which contravenes the law of the land, will be brought to book within the powers of the Emergency Rule. A lot of sacrifices have been made to attain the present level of peace in the State and this should be jealously protected by all stakeholders for the overall growth and development of our dear State. This government is quite aware of the plans by some disgruntled elements to make the State ungovernable as we move towards April 2007 general election. But I want to assure you that the security operatives are on top of the situation to take pre-emptive measures to forestall breakdown of law and order. Every step, instruction and guideline towards enhancing the security of life and property will be made from time to time. I wish to recall the unfortunate incidence that happened in the early hours of 10th March 2007 during the President’s visit to the State in which some publications were circulated to attack the person of Mr. President and to State that the action was embarrassing, reckless and uncalled for. No Nation of note drags its President in the mud as was done with publications regardless of whatever political differences that exist among the citizenry. It is a public knowledge that the Federal Government has not stifled the State to fund as monthly revenue allocations to the States and Local Governments in the Federation are usually published in the print media. To now clandestinely circulate the publication in question is an attempt to undermine the relative peace and order in the State with the aim of inciting the public against the Authority. Therefore, the handbills that was clandestinely circulated in the dead of the night anonymously by a Concerned Citizen and acknowledged by Action Congress in its advertisement in a national daily was in bad taste. I would not know what could be the content of the live programme of Dr. Kayode Fayemi on the morning of the same day, hence, the stoppage of the broadcast and other programmes of the Action Congress. I have since noticed threats issued on account of the action took which I considered as nothing but further recklessness. I need to warn that such action will be taken in future on any group that abandons decency and embraces a style that can incite others to violence. The purpose of this meeting, therefore, is to urge the leadership of the various political parties in the State to call their aspirants to order and to stop forthwith all reckless publications and pronouncements that can undermine the peace and stability of the State. They should be charged to eschew violence and demonstrate maturity in their electioneering campaigns by working within the confines of the law in the spirit of sportsmanship. Only a man with an unsound mind will want to kill in order to achieve his political ambition in this modern democracy. It is high time we began to cherish the democratic values of power generating from the people peacefully without forcing them to do our biding. After all, a call to leadership is a call to service. If that is the case, it behooves us to act responsibly in our struggle to assume leadership position with purpose of moving the State forward. You should strive to restore the lost glory of the State as the most peaceful State in the Country. Precious lives and properties had been lost to political violence in the State in the past and we should have a re-think and put an end to these unwholesome acts. Ekiti as a homogenous community with one language and unified socio-cultural values should exploit these virtues for the general good of the people. The recent political clashes and violence are sending negative signals to the public about the nature of the future political leadership in the State and it is high time we convinced the people that you meant well for them. Therefore, it is expedient for the leaders to amend their ways and permanently remove the stigma of violence put on Ekiti State by doing the right thing. However, I wish to urge the law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful political activities, as government we will do everything to protect lives and properties. Finally, I want to reiterate that there will be no hiding place for those who may want to cause trouble in the State with the ground plan to make the State ungovernable. Any person or group of persons caught planning to destabilize the peace of the State will be picked up regardless of their status and such a person or group of persons will be made to face the music. In order to avert this ugly trend, therefore, I charge all of you regardless of your political learning to see yourselves as brothers using different political platforms to achieve the same goal. If you do that, you will not strive to destroy this growing democracy you have struggled hard to midwife. On my part, I wish to assure you that I will continue to provide level playground for political activities in the State as long as you keep to the rules of the game.I know that the present level of peace in the State will be sustained, and the transition to the next civilian rule will be successful and peaceful in Ekiti State. Thank you and God bless | |
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