GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday vowed to ensure that the killers of a Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) leader in Dagbala, Akoko-Edo Council Area, during last week’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) primary in the state were brought to book.

He said police preliminary reports have already identified the vehicle that was used and the owner, who he added, was a disqualified aspirant in the area. 

The governor yesterday paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased and elders of the Dagbala community.

Oshiomhole, who described the incident as unfortunate, explained that the state government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice prevailed, adding that he would not be deterred by his fight for genuine democracy in the country.

“Her killing by some hoodlums is something that we not only condemn, we will also pursue the killers and bring them to justice. I have always campaigned to our people that election is not war and that the language of democracy is ballot box and ballot paper. I don’t see any justification why anybody will carry a gun to an election area. I have been campaigning for one man, one vote. It is because we want to practise it, that is why this time around, we decided unlike in the past that every ACN card-carrying member whose name is on the register is the one who will vote. Rather than the governor or individuals choosing candidates, the members will have to choose the candidates.

“The whole idea is that with that number, a few people cannot manipulate the process but you can see a few enemies of democracy who are determined not to allow people to vote here. We should not be discouraged by the activities of these hoodlums and thugs. All I can promise you is that those who have done this are going to be brought to book.

“The police have already concluded preliminary investigation; the vehicles used by these thugs have been confiscated. The last election in which I was elected, a few people just cornered the votes in Akoko-Edo and chased everybody away. That is why I said that even for choosing who will contest, the party members will decide.

But we will defeat these miscreants, we will defend democracy and the campaign of one man, one vote will be sustained.

The governor pledged the state government’s assistance towards the burial.

Narrating the incident that led to her death, the deceased’s younger sister, Mrs. Margaret Felix, said her sister was standing in front of house during the primary when suddenly she heard gunshots and in the process of scampering for safety, she was hit by a stray bullet.

Posted by admin on Jan 20 2011. Filed under Edo, State News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry