By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has harped on the need for all security agencies, especially the military and the police in the state, to maintain demonstrable neutrality in the performance of their duties before and during the forthcoming general elections.
The Kogi PDP has similarly called for a thorough investigation into allegations of arms stockpile and the training of armed bearing militia in the State in the guise of vigilantes.
While addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja on the forthcoming general elections, the Kogi State PDP Stakeholders expressed deep concerned about the increasing brazenness and ferocity with which violence is being unleashed by thugs in the state.
The Kogi State PDP Stakeholders, who spoke through the chairman of the party in the State, Mr Sam Uhotu, lamented that the security situation in the State has degenerated into home grown insecurity and State-sponsored violence.
The PDP stakeholders called on the National Peace Committee under the leadership of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, the Service Chiefs, the Civil Society Organizations and the International Community to pay special attention to the veritable flash point which Kogi has become in the forthcoming elections.
According to the Kogi PDP stakeholders,”We are deeply concerned about the increasing brazenness and ferocity with which violence is being unleashed by APC thugs.
“This is because it is an indication of active connivance or tacit endorsement by State functionaries especially the Local Government Administrators who now function like “Area Commanders” in the State Chief Executive’s bizarre security architecture.
“This security architecture allegedly includes a special detachment of Police in the Government House under his direct command and control.
“It will be recalled that earlier in the year, Nigerian Newspapers were awash with stories of importation of arms, ammunitions, uniforms and other military equipment by the Kogi State Government which were discovered by the Nigeria Customs Service.
“These uniforms are now in use by fake security agencies employed by the State Government.
“There have also been more recent revelations of arms build-up in the State as well as the arming and training of 3,000 strong militia disguised as vigilantes at the Kogi Confluence Stadium Lokoja.
“We believe these militia are being prepared for full-scale deployment to unleash violence and disruption during the forthcoming elections.
“In view of the foregoing, we hereby request the nation’s Security Agencies in general and he Kogi State Police command in particular to take the following urgent actions to avert the looming political upheaval and widespread destruction of lives and property in the State.
“Conduct thorough investigation into APC’s intolerance and resort to intimidation, harassment, disruption of peaceful gatherings and campaigns of other political parties as well as the destruction of campaign materials and personal properties of opposition candidates and members.
“Take urgent steps to thoroughly investigate all the suspects named in petitions to the police by our various local chapters and prosecute the culprits,
“Compel all security agencies especially the Military and the Police to maintain demonstrable neutrality in the performance of their duties before and during the forthcoming general elections,
“Conduct thorough investigation into allegations of arms stockpile and the training of armed bearing militia in the State in the guise of vigilantes,
Dismantle all training camps and confiscate illegal arms in their custody,
“Investigate the activities of Local Government Administrators who are alleged to be the custodians of sophisticated arms and ammunitions.
“The Military High Command should also investigate the ease and frequency with which officers and men are dragged into issues in which the State Governor has special interest.”
