Political violence forces Kwara to ban street rallies

Abdulfatah Ahmed, governor of Kwara state, has banned campaign rallies on streets across the state.

Ahmed, who announced this in a state broadcast on Tuesday, said the measure was necessitated by the recent clashes between political parties and groups in the state.

He said the campaigns would only hold at designated areas.

The governor said the political campaigns were expected to be robust but peaceful.

“Unfortunately, what we have witnessed is an increasing resort to criminality as a result of heightened political activities with a consequent threat to law and order,” he said.

“Let me make it clear, we will not let our state slide back to the dark era of fear and violence. No Individual, group or political party would be allowed to disrupt the harmony that defines us as a people.

“In this regard, let there be no doubt that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on perpetrators of violence.

“Anyone found to have either contributed to the recent violence or apprehended for involvement would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, no matter their status, background or political affiliation.”

In the last two weeks, Kwara has been experiencing violence involving supporters of different political parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While the current PDP administration has the support of Senate President Bukola Saraki, the APC is seeking to gain power with the backing of Lai Mohammed, minister of information.

Editor’s note: This picture was used for illustrative purposes