Kogi condemns attack on SDP office, says ballot NOT bullet will determine guber poll

The Kogi government has condemned the vandalism of the campaign office of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state.

On Sunday, hoodlums vandalised and burnt some materials in the SDP secretariat located at Paparanda roundabout in Lokoja.

In a statement, Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s commissioner for information, called on security operatives to fish out the culprits to face the wrath of the law.

Fanwo said ballots, not intimidation, will determine the outcome of the state governorship election.

“If it is true the SDP campaign office was vandalized, we condemn the act in its entirety as being barbaric, undemocratic and unacceptable to the people and Government of Kogi State,” Fanwo said.

“We hereby call on security agencies in the state to investigate and apprehend perpetrators of the alleged attack with the aim of bringing them to justice and to send a strong warning to hoodlums that the Kogi Governorship Election will be decided by the ballots, not the bullets.

“The Kogi State Government will continue to support the freedom of anyone and everyone to aspire to positions in line with the ethos of democratic values. Attacking the Campaign Office of any political party is criminal and would not be condoned.

“The government wishes to warn criminals and hoodlums to steer clear of the Kogi governorship poll as the State Government will deal with criminals as criminals.

“We also expect political parties to desist from making uninformed, malicious and inciting statements that are capable of disturbing the peace of the state.”

The commissioner assured that the Yahaya Bello-led administration would continue to support law enforcement agencies to ensure free, fair and credible poll on November 11.

“We have put machinery in motion to ensure the safety of our people before, during and after the election,” he said.

“Parties are also enjoined to go about their campaigns in an orderly and peaceful manner.”