Kogi State Deputy Governor,Yomi Awoniyi,has condemned in strong terms the electoral violence that led to the burning down of Ibaji Local Government Secretariat before the last council poll recently held in the State. The State Deputy Governor described those who carried out the arson as devil incarnates who do not mean well for the area,wondered why some persons would go the extra mile in destroying public property over an election that was to be determined
by the electorates.
Awoniyi made the disclosure while accessing the reconstruction of roads damaged by the last year flood in Ibaji Local Government Area of the State,also visited the burnt down Secretariat and described the action as a drawback in the development of the area.
Awoniyi,frowned at the act,said it was shameful and came at a time when the State Government was working hard to rebuild decayed infrastructures such as roads and buildings affected by last year’s flood before the raining season across the State. Awoniyi promised to convey the message of appeal from the people to rebuild a new secretariat for the area to the State Governor,promised that those behind the dastardly act will be fished out and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other mischief makers.
Awoniyi,disclosed that those behind the arson are not spirit but people living in the area,urged the workers in the Local Government and citizens of the area who are the worst affected by the destruction, to make sacrifices by given useful information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the crime.
Awoniyi added that the State Government would work jointly with the council in the reconstruction process as the cost of repairing the burnt council was far more higher than the cost of rebuilding a new one.
Awoniyi,assured the people of early completion of the damaged Ibaji road as the contractor handling the roads have been mobilized and already moving his materials to site.
The Deputy Governor also visited the Odeke Community in Ibaji Local Government where he consoled with those who lost loved ones as a result of land dispute following the discovery of oil.
Awoniyi appealed to the people of Odeke Community to continue to live in peace and harmony with their Anambra State neighbors as the issues of conflicts are been resolved by the National Boundary Commission.
He urged them to always be law abiding as efforts are on going by the Kogi and Anambra State Government over a quick resolution of the dispute .
Earlier in his speech,the Ibaji Local Government Chairman,Mr David Ogu, said the area lost everything to the flood last year,urged for the speedy completion of the road before the peak of this year’s rains,in other to allow for the free movement of the people.
The Chairman commended the State Government for its quick intervention to issues of flood and boundary affecting the area.
Also Speaking,the Eje of Ibaji,Chief John Egwemi, urged the State Government not to forget the speed boat promised the area,prayed that the flood as predicted does not devastate the Local Government this year.
He also prayed that the crisis between Ibaji community and its Anambra State counterpart would be resolved soon by the National Boundary Commission as the crisis has deprived the people of carrying out their farming activities.
