By joshua FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LET POLITICS NOT DESTROY OUR BROTHERHOOD: QS AMINU CONDEMNS VIOLENCE, DEMANDS JUSTICE
To the good people of Kogi East,
The reported attack on members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi East is unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally. There can be no justification for political violence in a democratic society, and no political disagreement should ever become a licence to threaten or take human life.
Politics must never become a justification for violence. No political ambition is worth the life of another human being. No election is worth the blood of an Igala man or woman. Brothers must not kill brothers because of another person’s political ambition.
Before we belong to different political parties, we are a people bound by a common heritage, shared history and a common future. We are brothers and sisters. Our political differences may be real, but they must never be allowed to destroy the bonds that hold Kogi East together.
I therefore call on all political leaders, candidates, supporters, youths and community stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold civility as campaign activities intensify. The 2027 election in Kogi East must be a contest of ideas, competence, character and vision, not a contest of violence, intimidation and fear.
I will not tolerate further attacks on my members or supporters. We shall seek justice through lawful and constitutional means, and everyone involved in this attack, irrespective of who may be backing, sponsoring or protecting them, must be identified and brought to justice. No individual is above the law, and no political influence should be allowed to shield anyone from accountability. Those found culpable must face the full weight of the law.
Our response to violence, however, will never be violence. We will not descend into the same conduct we condemn. We will stand firmly on the side of law, justice and democratic values.
I urge the security agencies to act swiftly, professionally and impartially. Every citizen has a right to life, dignity and security, and every participant in the democratic process deserves to campaign without fear of attack or intimidation.
I equally appeal to our young people not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence. The politicians whose interests they may be asked to defend will ultimately return to their homes, but the consequences of violence can remain with families and communities for generations.
My position is clear: I advocate for a peaceful, credible and issue based election in Kogi East. We can disagree politically without becoming enemies. We can compete vigorously without shedding blood. We can pursue victory without destroying the very community we seek to represent.
To those injured in this incident, I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. I extend my deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones.
Kogi East belongs to all of us. Its peace and unity must never be sacrificed for the ambition of any individual, political party or candidate.
Let us choose dialogue over violence, law over vengeance, and unity over division.
We shall seek justice, but we shall not seek revenge.
May God grant healing to the injured, comfort to their families, guide our leaders and preserve the peace and unity of Kogi East and Kogi State.
QS AMINU ABUBAKAR SULEIMAN, FNIQS
ADC Senatorial Candidate, Kogi East.
Humanity First