As political parties in Ondo State warm up to start governorship campaigns for the November 26 election, the state chapter of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) has warned thugs and other troublemakers that any attempt to turn the Sunshine State into a theatre of war before, during and after the poll would be resisted.
State OPC coordinator, Comrade Pius Ogunsanya, in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital on Sunday, said that the state OPC would not fold its hands and allow some unscrupulous elements unleash terror and mayhem on innocent people on the pretext of playing politics.
Ogunsanya said the regional defence group, in collaboration with government security agents such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), “is battle ready to tackle any group or individual on the payroll of politicians and their political parties who want to cause violence in any parts of the state, pre or post election, as such group of individual will meet their waterloo.
“As partners in the cultural and regional protection of Yoruba race, the OPC wish to tell the voting population in Ondo State that they will be adequately protected at campaign grounds and voting centres during the forthcoming governorship election.
“We are in collaboration with other security agents to ensure peaceful conduct of the election, devoid of rancour, violence, ballot snatching, mayhem, thuggery and other activities against smooth conduct of the poll,” Ogunsanya stated.
He then urged political parties, politicians and other stakeholders in the election to play the game according to the rules, dictates and ethics of democratic practice, by monitoring and directing their members and supporters not to cause trouble or disturb the peace of the state before, during and after the election.
Ogunsanya also advised the electorate to vote for credible, reliable and results-oriented person to take over the affairs of the state after the incumbent, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, might have left the stage on February 23, 2017, saying that “no amount of financial inducement during the poll can turn around the fortune of the state for good. Only good governance will do”.
