TOWARDS A BETTER AND SECURED FUTURE IN EKITI STATE.
Ekiti Parapo Association, New York, joins the growing neutral and well-meaning individuals and groups, to express its concern about the acts of hooliganism and thuggery that have characterized political activities in Ekiti State since the court-ordered re-run gubernatorial elections. We are disturbed that the current situation has brought on us negative attention and also undermined the peace and harmony that once existed in a state adjudged the most peaceful in Nigeria. We have waited this long to comment in order not to jump into wrong conclusions. However, the charged political atmosphere and the unabated allegations and counter-allegations of violence have brought us to the inescapable conclusion that our dear state has indeed, been undeservedly plunged into the vortex of politically motivated and orchestrated violence.
Ekiti Parapo Association, New York, believes it is time we took a long and hard look at ourselves as we can not continue to live in sin and expect grace to abound. We also believe it is an indictment on our collective psyche as a people appropriately referred to as The Fountain of Knowledge, when we continue to see violence as the first solution to our political differences. In the light of this, we unequivocally condemn the current despicable and sordid pattern of the past which have always shielded our beloved state from achieving its greatness. Consequently, we urge:
* That, if ours is the state our political gladiators genuinely love and want to serve, they should henceforth shun divisive and unguided utterances that have heated up the polity and set a new tone of respect and civility in the state. This is one excellent way to commence a dramatic change from their on-going desperate strategies and more sinister tactics, which have percolated to their heavy handed and fanatical surrogates. Hopefully, this will immediately calm down frayed nerves and douse the already charged political atmosphere in the state.
* That, despite the growing tension and atmosphere of fear, we appeal to the good people of Ekiti State to continue to exercise restraints and keep the peace. We also appeal to our people not to play into the hands of some ungodly characters that prefer us cheapening ourselves in the realization of their self-serving interests. We further remind our people that whatever money, consumables and other materials these characters induced them with today to fight their fight will not secure their future and the future of their children. The future of our beloved state is more important and greater than any gratification that derives from violence and destruction of lives and property.
* That, as fathers of all and the highly revered conscience of their people, we appeal to our Kabiyesis not to engage in partisan politics. We remind them that politicians in office are mere birds of passage with a temporary hold on power. We further appeal to our royal fathers to enlighten their subjects and preach the gospel of our cherished values of oneness, brotherliness and love.
* That, INEC plays its role as an unbiased umpire and work with the good people of Ekiti state to legitimately elect the governor of their choice. The success of the April 25, 2009, governorship re-run election in Ekiti is a litmus test for the survival of our dear state and the sincerity of INEC to commit to genuine electoral reforms. In this wise, INEC should ensure a free, fair and credible re-run election under the platter of ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE.
* That, the Ekiti State Police Command improves on its constitutional duty to maintain law and order in the state. Hence forth, the police must demonstrate its capacity and willingness to protect all lives and property at all times. To deter future acts of hooliganism and thuggery, the police should investigate and prosecute political killings and other acts of lawlessness without prejudice.
Finally, as morning indeed shows the day, and in light of the on-going political situation in Ekiti State, there is every reason for our people to doubt the honest intentions of many of our politicians\' desire for service. However, we are aware that Ekiti people are under no illusions about their political future. They appreciate richer and better lives. They cherish peace and abhor violence. They are thirsty for the dividends of democracy too, but not in their graves. Therefore, we solemnly appeal to our politicians to exploit the uniqueness of our God-given homogeneity and prove for once that we can take control of our destiny. We risk eternal damnation as a people if we fritter away this golden opportunity to secure a better future for ourselves and our children.
May God bless the good people of Ekiti State.
Aare Taiye Ogunleye, Chief Ayodele Akande,
President, Chairman, Political Action Committee,
Ekiti Parapo Association, New York. USA.
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