Ekitikete,
I have in the last few days
agonised over the incident that took place at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti
(FUOYE) on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
Until the multiple
investigations are completed, I am necessarily constrained from talking about
the details of what transpired. I however do not need to be constrained about
the emotions a tragedy like this evokes.
Any death is a tragedy. Any
shooting arising from legitimate protests diminishes our fledgling democratic
dispensation and calls to question our commitment to fundamental human rights.
Having heard from all
parties to the incident, it is pertinent that I now personally convey my deeply
felt sorrow for the loss of two promising young lives and for those who
suffered injuries.
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 circumstances 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 are 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 destabilise the peace
and progress of Ekiti State. It is time for sober reflection as we mourn the
dead and care for the wounded.
Thank you and God bless you
all.
Dr Kayode Fayemi, CON
Governor, Ekiti State.
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