From Priscilla Ofunre, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has ordered the state command of the Nigerian Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into last Tuesday’s protest in Oye-Ekiti and fish out culprits within and outside the force.
Two students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti- Joseph Okonofua and Kehinde Dada, were shot during the violent protest over poor power supply in the community.
Governor Fayemi, in a state broadcast on Sunday, described the killing of the two students as a major tragedy. According to him, any shooting arising from legitimate protest is a dent on the nation’s democracy and “calls to question our commitment to fundamental human rights.”
Recalling that he had suggested to the police authorities to explore the use of non-lethal rubber bullets in managing public protests, Governor Fayemi said the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) will take the issue up at the highest levels in government.
The governor said that the various statements by the university authorities and the students’ union had shown that the shooting was not ordered by the Wife of the Governor, nor any official of the state government.
Governor Fayemi said: “To be sure, our government prides itself on its strict adherence to the rule of law. The right of citizens to protest on any issue relating to governmental actions or inactions is a fundamental component of our good governance agenda.
“We could not therefore under any circumstance have directed that deadly force be used on any of our citizens freely expressing their right to protest.
“Even before the conclusion of the investigations into this matter, we have taken a number of steps; a high level government delegation has visited the families of the deceased. This will not be a one-off intervention. We will stand firmly with, and support the families at this time. Those persons with varying degrees of injuries will also be given support whilst their hospital expenses will be defrayed by government.
“I have directed the State Commissioner of Police to urgently commence an investigation into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate shooting incident with a view to identifying possible culprits within and outside the Force.
“Taken together with the ongoing investigation by the University management, we will consider the need for an independent panel of inquiry, if necessary once these fact finding investigations are concluded.
“In the meantime, I have suggested to our police authorities to explore the use of non-lethal rubber bullets in managing public protests and the Nigerian Governors Forum will take this up at the highest levels in government.
“I note the initial public statement by the University authorities and its Students Union body. We welcome the conclusion that neither the wife of the Governor nor any government official directed the shootings. Indeed it is obvious that the wife of the Governor and those on her entourage were victims of this unfortunate incident.
“The issue that led to the protest has been the subject of intense disagreement and negotiations with BEDC since I became Governor. Last week, my Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities was still in Benin to see BEDC management on the matter of inadequate and inconsistent supply of electricity in Ekiti State. .
“Though Governors do not have any control over privatised power distribution companies, the four Governors from the states covered by the Benin DISCO have consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the services of BEDC and taken the matter up with the Vice President who chairs the Privatisation Council.
“In addition to this, I have been talking to the Rural Electrification Agency about including FUOYE in the next round of their University Electrification Project.
“I therefore appeal for calm and caution as we await the reports of the various investigations. No persons or group should attempt to use this tragic incident to distabilise the peace and progress of Ekiti State. It is time for sober reflection as we mourn the dead and care for the wounded”, he added.