MuriSam SDP Governorship Campaign Council has condemned the Kogi State government over its directive to hotels in the state to reserve all their rooms from the 4th of November to 12th of November, 2023.
The council in a statement in Lokoja on Saturday described the directive as ” heinous “, saying the intention was to compromise the security of the state before, during and after the governorship election slated for November 11.
The Social Democratic Party ( SDP) is among the 18 political parties that have indicated interest to contest the election.
Isaiah Davies Ijele, Director -General, New Media, MuriSam Campaign Council signed the statement.
He said : ” We are aware of the heinous directives given to all hotel owners in the 21 Local Government Area of the confluence state by the government of Yahaya Adoza Bello.
” In a letter addressed to Chief Executive Officers Of Hotels in Kogi state and signed on October 31, 2023 by one Alh. Oricha U. Shuaibu , the Director – General, Government House Administration, Independent hotel owners were directed to reserve all hotel rooms in the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State from the 4th of November to 12th of November, 2023.
“We condemn such directives as we are reliably informed that the aim of such reservation across the 21 LGA’s of the State is to accommodate thugs and armed militias that will be imported into the state to unleash mayhem on the electorates, especially members of the opposition during the November 11 election.
“This directive by the state government is too desperate and dangerous for our democracy as the outcome will be to destabilize the peace of the people, undermine the electoral process and endanger the security of lives and properties.”
The SDP called on the Federal Government and security agencies in the state to ensure the safety of the people of Kogi state by doing the following : “Mounting of adequate security checkpoints across all the borders of Kogi State with other states to prevent the crossing of hired thugs and militias.
“Ensure that security forces enforce the no movement order during the period of voting.
“Constitute a special response team across the 21 LGA’s of the state to deter local thugs from destabilizing the polity both during and after the election.
“The federal government should order the state government to withdraw the order given to all hotel owners for full reservation.
“Tighten security across all the Local Government Areas of the state to prevent the failure of law and order.
“Thorough stop and search of people coming into the state to prevent the inflow of arms.
“The federal government must protect local hotel owners against the fury of Yahaya Bello to affirm their rights of transacting business without intimidation.”
The statement then urged the people of the state to remain steadfast and calm, calling on them to assist security agencies by reporting to them anywhere thugs and militias are camped in their respective communities.
((vitalnewsngr.com)
