The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde has called on the state Commissioner of Police, Director, State Security as well as other security agencies to commit all leaders of political parties to sign a peace undertaking to ensure hitch-free electioneering campaign and successful elections.
Makinde made the call in a press conference organized to call the attention of security operatives to act against the incessant political thuggery and violence in the state.
The PDP gubernatorial candidate explained that in the past two weeks, politically induced violence has been witnessed across the state in places like Ogbomoso, Igbo Ora, Ojoo, Omi Adio, Oke Ado and Oyo.
Seyi Makinde emphasized the need by the security operatives in the state to move fast in addressing the issue to douse further tension, especially now that the people of the state are already traumatized as a result of grinding poverty and avoidable lack.
His words, “In the past two weeks alone, violent incidents have been witnessed across the state in places like Ogbomoso, Igbo Ora, Ojoo, Omi Adio, Oke Ado and only yesterday in Oyo.
“At a time when electioneering campaign has reached the final lap, there is need for our security agencies to move fast to douse further tension and save lives and properties.”
Makinde, who disclosed that his absence at the recently held BBC gubernatorial debate was as a result of political campaign that had been fixed before the invitation letter got to him, reiterated that if the situation is not promptly addressed can escalate across the state.
“Oyo state is the political capital of the South West and uncontrolled political violence if not quickly nipped in the bud can set the tone for escalation and it can spread across the land.
“I want to join our religious leaders and traditional rulers to ask us politicians to sheath our sword, call our followers to order and preach peace because our political differences must not be allowed to translate into street wars. Our ambition is not worth the blood of innocent citizens who struggle daily to make ends meet,” he submitted.
Packaged by Ojo Peter
