FUOYE CRISIS; Fayemi breaks silence, orders commissionerof police to investigate shootings
Ado-Ekiti-Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has
expressed regret at the death of two students of the Federal University,
Oye-Ekiti during the violent protest by the students of the institution.
The Governor’s Wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and her entourage
were caught up in the violent protest, which allegedly claimed the lives of two
students, while several others sustained injuries. Fayemi said he has 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.
He said this step will be taken together with the ongoing
investigation by the University management, after which, there may be the need
to consider an independent panel of inquiry, once these fact finding
investigations are concluded. Fayemi, who said this in a statewide broadcast on
Monday morning, appealed for calm and caution, warning that “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. “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”, Fayemi said. He added
the the issue that led to the protest, which is the epileptic power supply to
the institution are being addressed. He suggested that other less lethal means
of managing public protest should explored by the security agencies.
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