Ekiti Governor. |
Here is the speech by
the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi concerning the issues that arose
after his wife, Bisi Fayemi was accused of ordering her security operatives beat
and kill a student on contest.
BELOW.
I have in the last few
days agonised over the incident that took place at the Federal University, Oye
Ekiti (FUOYE) on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
Until the multiple
investigations are completed, I am necessarily constrained from talking about
the details of what transpired. I however do not need to be constrained about
the emotions a tragedy like this evokes.
Any death is a
tragedy. Any shooting arising from legitimate protests diminishes our fledgling
democratic dispensation and calls to question our commitment to fundamental
human rights.
Having heard from all
parties to the incident, it is pertinent that I now personally convey my deeply
felt sorrow for the loss of two promising young lives and for those who
suffered injuries.
To be sure, our
government prides itself on its strict adherence to the rule of law. The right
of citizens to protest on any issue relating to governmental actions or
inactions is a fundamental component of our good governance agenda.
We could not therefore
under any circumstances have directed that deadly force be used on any of our
citizens freely expressing their right to protest.
Even before the
conclusion of the investigations into this matter, we have taken a number of
steps; a high level government delegation has visited the families of the
deceased. This will not be a one-off intervention. We will stand firmly with,
and support the families at this time. Those persons with varying degrees of
injuries will also be given support whilst their hospital expenses will be
defrayed by government.
I have directed the
State Commissioner of Police to urgently commence an investigation into the
circumstances that led to the unfortunate shooting incident with a view to
identifying possible culprits within and outside the Force. Taken together with
the ongoing investigation by the University management, we will consider the
need for an independent panel of inquiry, if necessary once these fact finding
investigations are concluded.
In the meantime, I
have suggested to our police authorities to explore the use of non-lethal
rubber bullets in managing public protests and the Nigerian Governors Forum
will take this up at the highest levels in government.
I note the initial
public statement by the University authorities and its Students Union body. We
welcome the conclusion that neither the wife of the Governor nor any Government
official directed the shootings. Indeed it is obvious that the wife of the
Governor and those on her entourage are victims of this unfortunate incident.
The issue that led to
the protest has been the subject of intense disagreement and negotiations with
BEDC since I became Governor. Last week, my Commissioner for Infrastructure and
Public Utilities was still in Benin to see BEDC management on the matter of
inadequate and inconsistent supply of electricity in Ekiti State. Though
Governors do not have any control over privatised power distribution companies,
the four Governors from the states covered by the Benin DISCO have consistently
expressed dissatisfaction with the services of BEDC and taken the matter up
with the Vice President who chairs the Privatisation Council.
In addition to this, I
have been talking to the Rural Electrification Agency about including FUOYE in
the next round of their University Electrification Project.
I therefore appeal for
calm and caution as we await the reports of the various investigations. No
persons or group should attempt to use this tragic incident to destabilise the
peace and progress of Ekiti State. It is time for sober reflection as we mourn the
dead and care for the wounded.
Thank you and God
bless you all.
Dr Kayode Fayemi, CON
Governor, Ekiti State.
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