The vandalization of the campaign office of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Lokoja is barbaric, undemocratic and unacceptable to the people and government of the state, Kogi state government has said.
The State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement condemned the act in its entirety.
The statement said Kogi state government will continue to support the freedom of anyone and everyone to aspire to positions in line with the ethos of democratic values.
“Attacking the campaign office of any political party is criminal and would not be condoned,” Fanwo said.
Kogi state government called on security agencies in the state to investigate and apprehend perpetrators of the attack with the aim of bringing them to justice and to send a strong warning to hoodlums that the governorship election in the state will be decided by the ballots, not the bullets.
“The Kogi state government wishes to warn criminals and hoodlums to stay clear of the Kogi governorship poll as the state government will deal with criminals as criminals. Parties should also desist from making uninformed, malicious and inciting statements that are capable of disturbing the peace of the state.
“As a government, we will support law enforcement agencies to ensure free, fair and credible poll on November 11, 2023. We have put machinery in motion to ensure the safety of our people before, during and after the election. Parties are also enjoined to go about their campaign in an orderly and peaceful manner.”