VOHRI CONDEMNS GOVERNOR SEYI MAKINDE'S CONSPICUOUS SILENCE ON MOLETE POLITICAL VIOLENCE, DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ACTION
The Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiatives (VOHRI) has observed with deep concern and total condemnation the recent politically motivated violent attack at Molete Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, which has left several persons injured, properties destroyed and residents living in palpable fear.
It is even more worrisome and unacceptable that days after this dastardly act of political thuggery and brigandage, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chief Security Officer of Oyo State, has maintained a deafening and suspicious silence.
This silence is not golden. It is dangerous.
OUR POSITION:
1. Condemnation in Totality: VOHRI in the strongest terms condemns the Molete political violence. Political violence in any form is a gross violation of fundamental human rights, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and Sections 33 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). No democracy thrives on bloodshed.
2. Governor's Silence is Complicity: As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Seyi Makinde swore to protect lives and property irrespective of political affiliation. His silence over an attack that happened in the heart of Ibadan sends a wrong signal that political violence is tolerated, or worse, state-sponsored.
3. Double Standard: If this attack had been perpetrated against the ruling party, the entire security architecture would have been mobilized by now. The people of Oyo State deserve equal protection without discrimination.
OUR DEMANDS:
Consequently, VOHRI as a frontline human rights organization hereby demands:
a. That Governor Seyi Makinde should break his silence and publicly condemn the Molete attack within 24 hours and reassure residents of their safety;
b. That the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command and the Director, DSS, Oyo State should immediately arrest and prosecute the perpetrators and their sponsors, no matter how highly placed;
c. That the Oyo State Government should set up an independent panel of inquiry into the Molete political violence and make its report public;
d. That the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should take judicial notice of the rising political intolerance in Oyo State.
VOHRI wishes to remind Governor Seyi Makinde that history will judge his administration not only by roads and bridges, but by how he protected the rights and lives of opposition voices.
An injury to one is an injury to all. If political violence is allowed to fester in Molete today, no part of Oyo State will be safe tomorrow.
Enough is Enough!
Signed:
Comrade Ayobami Sakirullahi
Chairman / Executive Director
The Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiatives (VOHRI)
*Motto* : _Striving towards achieving a Corruption-free Nation._
