Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs has appealed to politicians in the state to maintain peace and orderliness in the build up to the state’s governorship election.
The traditional rulers led by His Royal Majesty Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, Atta Igala, made the call on Monday when they visited the state governor, Yahaya Bello in Lokoja over the alleged attack on his convoy by suspected politically exposed persons. They condemned the incident, saying it is a criminal act that must be discouraged.
The Atta Igala said the visit was to sympathise with the governor over the attack on him on his way from Abuja to Lokoja last Saturday.
The Atta Igala said the alleged attack was a criminal act that must not be repeated in the state going forward.
Also, HRM Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa asked politicians and their followers to ensure that their campaigns are conducted without resorting to violence or intimidation.
In his prayers for the continuous well-being of governor Bello and the progress of Kogi State, HRM the Ohimege-Igu of Koto Karfe, Dr. Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, emphasized that the state, which has enjoyed significant peace and tranquility under the leadership of governor Bello will continue to remain peaceful. He urged politicians to adhere to the established rules.
In response, Bello expressed surprise at the conduct of the suspected attackers. The governor said he encountered roadblock allegedly set up by protesting truck drivers who claimed to have issues with the task force. He said after waiting for hours, he joined the security personnel in clearing the road.
He said the protesters were subsequently arrested and detained by the security forces to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to take the law into their own hands.
The governor described the attackers’ actions as criminal, emphasizing that such “lawlessness” would never be tolerated in the state.
