Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde has caution desperate politicians in the state to desist from activities that can trigger serious political violence
He also called on security agencies in the state to be more vigilance and alive to their responsibilities in ensuring hitch free election period.
Engineer Makinde while addressing Journalists at a press conference held at Omituntun House, Iwo Road, Ibadan, observed that political violence and thuggery in the course of the ongoing political campaign has become even more worsen.
He noted that in the last two weeks, violence among political parties have been witnessed across some towns in the State which include; Ogbomosho, Igboora, Ojoo, Omi -Radio, Oke Ado, and Oyo among others
He maintained there is urgent need to read riot act to politicians to know the implication of such development, noting that as part of the shakeup, the spate of political violence and thuggery is becoming a worrisome dimension that should be given a great concern.
Makinde emphasized that at this time when the electioneering campaign is gradually going to an end, there is need for all the security agencies to do the needful so as to protect the lives and properties of the people.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer said the Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Security must call an emergency meeting of leaders of all political parties and commit them to an undertaking of peace.
“Our people are already traumatised as a result of grinding poverty and avoidable lack and it will be ungodly to saddle them with gory scenes of bloodletting just because some politicians are scared of relinquishing power that is not a birthright’.
“I want to join our religious leaders and traditional rulers to asks we politicians to sheath our sword, call our followers to order and preach peace because our political difference must not be allowed to translate into street war because our ambition is not worthy of blood of innocent citizens who struggle daily to make their needs’.
While debunking the allegation of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) that he deliberately avoided the BBC organised gubernatorial debate, pointing out that his campaign team had fixed his schedule for Ibadan South East a week before the BBC invited him to a debate.
“I attended the first ever Farmers Public Debate and the APC gubernatorial candidate Mr. Bayo Adelabu was similarly invited but he did not turn up and neither did he attend the Radio Nigeria organised Gubernatorial Debate last Sunday which, Seyi Makinde was there but the APC Gubernatorial candidate was also invited but did not come’.
