•Tasks traditional rulers on peaceful, violence-free elections
By Ojotule Romanus
As part of the moves to curb potential abuses of power most especially as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed restriction on night arrests across the state, warning security operatives to desist from invading homes under the cover of darkness.
Governor Ododo gave the order during his interface with the first-class traditional rulers from across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state held at Government House, Lokoja.
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Ododo further explained that the restriction was necessary to protect the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens, stressing that security operations must be civil, lawful and humane.
In his words “No arrest should be made in the night. If you have any case against anybody, wait till daytime, follow due process, invite the person lawfully,”
“We will not allow our people to be harassed, intimidated or picked up like criminals in the middle of the night.” he further added.
He charged the royal fathers to report any security agent who violates the directive, assuring them that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power under any guise.
Beyond the landmark order, the Governor used the forum to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his massive support to Kogi State and Nigeria at large, especially in infrastructure and security sectors.
“We will be doing ourselves a disservice if we don’t appreciate Mr. President,” Ododo told the monarchs. “President Tinubu has stood firmly behind us in infrastructure, in security funding, and in ensuring prompt release of allocations for payment of salaries.”
He noted that the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin highway, a critical economic corridor linking the North Central to the South-South, is a testament to the President’s commitment.
The Governor also lauded the President for strengthening the nation’s security architecture and for backing Kogi’s local security initiatives, which he said have restored peace to many communities.
He further called for total support for “our brother, the Chief of Army Staff,” saying: “If somebody providing security for the whole nation, his own house is not safe and peaceful, then it means we are not supporting him and we are not appreciating him.”
He thanked the monarchs for their sacrifices, saying Kogi’s peace was built on their prayers, guidance and even personal resources.
“Some of you go out with us to confront these criminals. Some pray with the Quran and the Bible, others with traditional methods. Only God will reward you,” he said.
He however warned that the new enemy is within: “Our problem now is not foreigners. It is our own brothers and sisters supplying food, logistics and information to criminals in the bush.”
The Governor specifically indicted some wood-cutters and asked the royal fathers to summon their associations for caution.
“If you are caught aiding criminals, we will not spare you, even if you are my brother,” he warned.
He revealed that the strategy of blocking supply routes and shutting down compromised local markets is already “making them feel the heat.”
With political activities gaining momentum, Ododo begged the traditional rulers to preach peace.
“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogites,” he said.
With political activities gaining momentum ahead of the forthcoming general election, Governor Ododo and other government officials urged the traditional rulers to use their respected positions to promote peace, tolerance and a violence-free electoral process across the state.
The Governor called on the royal fathers to caution their subjects against acts capable of disrupting the peace of the state, stressing that political differences must never become a reason for violence, intimidation or destruction.
He appealed to the traditional rulers to work with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
The message was clear: Kogi State must say no to thuggery, political violence, intimidation and all forms of electoral-related disorder.
The Governor urged all stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns and allow citizens to freely exercise their democratic rights without fear.
“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogites,” he said.
He further charged the traditional rulers to remain neutral peace advocates in their domains and ensure that no individual or group uses their communities as platforms for violence before, during or after the election.
