Politics
Lawmaker Meets Stakeholders Over Ibadan Killings
Mr Ayotunde Fatokun, the lawmaker representing Akinyele Constituency 1 in the Oyo State House of Assembly, yesterday met with community leaders, the police and local security outfits in the constituency over recent killings by unknown assailants in the area.
Recall that some suspected ritual killers had, in the last one month, killed six people in Akinyele Local Government Area at three different locations.
The killings, which had caused apprehension among residents, occurred at Abatakan, Fatokun and Olomowewe and Akingbile communities, all within the council area.
It was gathered that the incidents followed the same pattern as the assailants used cutlasses to massacre their victims and stones to smash their heads after which they wiped their blood with handkerchiefs before leaving the scenes.
Following these heinous crimes, the lawmaker said he had held series of meetings with heads of security agencies in the state on how to put a stop to the activities of the assailants.
Fatokun said that the town hall meeting was to deliberate on how to address insecurity in the constituency, adding that it was also an avenue for him to hear from his constituents about their expectations from him.
He said that the consensus reached was that a joint task force that would include local security operatives should be formed to tackle the insecurity in the council area.
Mr Okey Nwabufo, the Police Area Commander for Akinyele Local Government area, assured residents of adequate protection of their lives and property, saying that the police had intensified its security network in the area.
Nwabufo urged the people to assist the police with useful information that could assist in their efforts to nab the criminals.
He said that any information given would be treated with confidence, even as he enjoined the people to be more security conscious.
The traditional ruler of Iroko community, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye, cautioned landlords in the area against accommodating unknown tenants.
He assured the residents that traditional rulers in the area would work closely with security agents to address the security challenges confronting the area.
The monarch warned the people of the constituency against bringing their individual domestic problems before the lawmaker representing them for solution.
He said what should be paramount in their minds should be how the lawmaker would bring development to the constituency for the benefit of all and sundry.
Mr Ajebode Isiaka, the representative of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in the local government area, urged the people to cooperate with security operatives to enhance their efforts at flushing out criminals in the area.
Isiaka also called on the lawmaker who initiated the meeting to continue working on how his constituency would be more secure.
The meeting had in attendance community leaders, representatives of various wards, the police, heads of local security outfits such as the vigilantes, the ‘Agbekoyas’, hunters and Odua People’s Congress (OPC).
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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