By Dada Ahmed.
The Kogi Coalition of Umbrella Development Association (KOCUDA), the umbrella socio-cultural and development for organizations in Kogi State, has expressed concern over the disturbing wave of violence and the threat it poses to peace and harmony in Kogi State in the last two months.
This is contained in a five-point communication issued at the end of its emergency meeting.ay the Top View Hotel in Abuja, signed by Dr. Godwin Oyibo,President, Ebira People’s Association (EPA)l ahaji Amodu Abubakar Sadiq,President, Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) and Barr. Mokikan Femi,President, Okun Development Association (ODA), and a copy made available to The Reporters in Lokoja on Monday.
The association also expressed worry over accusations and counter-accusations, intimidation and harassment of individuals, members of political parties and innocent citizens stressing that all citizens of Kogi State, irrespective of places of residence in the state, reserved the right to peace and should be allowed to participate in the democratic process without fear of any attack.
It added: "These incipient civil disturbances and infractions, as being recorded in the state in recent time, portends no small danger to a united Kogi state as it does not only undermines the democratic process, jeopardizes the safety and well-being of citizens, threatens the stability and progress of the state but reverses the gains which the current administration of the state has made in the areas of peace and security of lives and property.
"Political violence is not known in human history to leave behind any good in its wake.
"In addition to stalling fundamental principles of democracy, it engenders a cycle of fear, intimidation, and socio-exclusion.
"The ensuing chaotic atmosphere, ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship election, will only stifle open dialogue, freedom of expression, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, all of which are crucial for a thriving democratic society.
The meeting, therefore, called on all political parties and their leaders in the state to prioritize the cause of peace far and above their personal or political interests in their activities and enjoined political leaders and their supporters to demonstrate their avowed commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for human rights, mutual understanding, and adherence to the rule of law.
"We call on the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Chief Security Officer of the state, to do all within their legitimate powers to arrest the situation so that it does not degenerate further.
"The relevant security agencies in the state are charged to live up to their responsibilities by ensuring that further infractions and violence are prevented and culprits are dealt with by the law.
"Our revered traditional rulers, religious and community leaders are urged to rise to the occasion and assert their respected positions towards peaceful conduct of the forthcoming November Governorship election.
"Going forward, we enjoined all component clubs and associations in all parts of Kogi state to replicate these same calls in their various districts/regions and places, to drive home this message of peace and peaceful co-existence that have hitherto defined life in Kogi State"
"The meeting came to a close with a passionate appeal to key stakeholders in Kogi Politics and by extension all Kogites to eschew any act that could endanger the peaceful coexistence of citizens of the state, adding that no one’s political interest is worth more than the peace of our dear state," the communicated also said .
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