***Accuses SDP of stage-managing attack
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Kogi State Government has debunked its alleged involvement in the purported attack on Social Democratic Party (SDP) witnesses at at the ongoing Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja describing it as a “headless allegation.”
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo who disclosed this at a press conference on Saturday in Lokoja, affirmed the government’s commitment to peace, security and well-being of the people.
He said the allegation that the State Government masterminded the attacks was “not only reckless, but stands logic on its head.”
The Commissioner said that it was, however, important to enlighten the SDP that the case at the Tribunal was between parties and that the State Government, which it accused, was not one.
Fanwo, noted that if any attack did happen as claimed by the SDP, “it must have been stage-managed by the SDP. Why would anyone attempt or even attack a witness that has testified against those that paid him to witness for them?
“The discerning public is following the tribunal case and understands there is no need to attack witnesses that are doing enough to make SDP lose woefully in the law court,” he said.
The state government noted that it was absurd and incomprehensible for the SDP to continue to exhibit anti-democratic tendencies and provoke the sensibility of the people in such a reckless manner.
“As a legitimate Government, we won’t be soiled in the oil of subjudice that the SDP has engaged in with impunity. We will protect all the people and residents of the State and also protect our integrity and image.
“We wouldn’t have bothered to respond to the barking of the SDP and its leadership as the State Government is busy with governance; but it is important to set the record straight and address the minds of the public to the tradition of lies by the SDP.
“The Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, the democratically elected Governor of the State, will be undaunted in its resolve to serve the people of the State rather than be entangled in a propaganda festival”, he said.
According to him, the Kogi State Government is unwavering in its stance on security and constitutionalism as the basic minimum in ensuring a peaceful and secured state.
The Commissioner added that it was the responsibility of the Government to protect all citizens, irrespective of their political or religious persuasions.
Fanwo said that the State Government did not receive any report of politically stirred crisis and described the allegation as “blatant, false, spurious and pedestrian claims” by the SDP to whip up sentiments and spread falsehood to win public sympathy.
“The Kogi State Government doesn’t subscribe to violence and actions that breach the peace of the State. We will also not accept statements deliberately made to incite the people against the Government and possibly spark panic.
“The SDP must always be prepared for the consequences of their actions and utterances against the Kogi State Government or its officials.
“The Governor of Kogi State is a law abiding gentleman who is working hard to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past administration.
“He promised to protect all Kogites irrespective of their political and religious beliefs. His commitment to fulfilling such promises is iron cast and unimpeachable.
“We urge the people of the State to go about their normal businesses as there won’t be any chance for anyone to attack any Kogite. No stone will be left unturned to ensure peace and security in the State.” (Ends)