—–Urges him to accept reality or follow electoral guidelines
Kogi youths and women from across the three senatorial districts of the state have called on the candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP in the November 11 gubernatorial election, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, and his supporters not to burn down the state over the
overwhelming defeat he suffered in the election.
The youths said the State belonged to all indigenes and residents alike irrespective of political, tribal or religious affiliations, noting that nothing must be allowed to affect the peace they had enjoyed for over seven years under the administration of His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello.
The youths and women in their thousands who marched through the major streets of Lokoja on Friday during a peaceful protest, said the just concluded governorship election was the freest, transparent and credible in the history of the state.
They urged aggrieved parties who might still want to contest the outcome of the election in court , should do that in line with the laid down guidelines instead of harassing and intimidating the electoral umpire.
One of the protesters who simply identified himself as Dele Niyi , called on security agencies to rise up to the occasion and preserve the peace that had been enjoyed in the state.
He also implored the Governor-elect, Usman Ododo, to ensure that the effort of the outgoing administration in the area of security, infrastructure development, youth and women empowernment among others are sustained.
“Muritala Ajaka and his few SDP supporters should not overheat the polity unnecessarily. We take serious exception to these actions of wanting to burn down the state. Elections have come and gone and someone has won. If you’re aggrieved, follow the right channel,” he said.
Another protester, who spoke on behalf of the young women, Ireti olukomogbon, noted that they were surprised that the SDP candidate was trying to set the people against INEC over his incessant and unfounded allegations against the electoral umpire.
She said the election of November 11 in Kogi was free and fair and appealed to the SDP candidate and supporters to embrace peace and work together with the candidate that has emerged.
“Kogi people have shown clearly that they stand with the Kogi Agenda with their votes. If you’re aggrieved, go to court the proper way. As for the youths and women demography, we will support Alhaji Usman Ododo to succeed,” she said.
