WE CONDEMN POLITICALLY-INSTIGATED HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND VICTIMISATION OF YOUTH IN ONDO STATE

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Coalition of Oodua Stakeholders (COS) is worried by reports of unprovoked unlawful arrests and incarceration of some youth ostensibly on political grounds in Ondo State. 24-hours preceding the flag-off of the campaign of one of the leading governorship aspirants in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, a number of youth across the state were reported to have been arrested and detained.

Coalition of Oodua Stakeholders (COS) condemns the hostile approach being adopted by the security agents; particularly the police as the electioneering activities in the state enters a feverish momentum. We insist that the police and all the security agents must remain apolitical and professional in dealing with all stakeholders towards ensuring peaceful and credible elections in Ondo State.

While we urge the political parties, the governorship candidates and their supporters to maintain high level of restrain and discipline in their conduct, we expect the security agents to discharge their duties by refraining from any act that will amount to politically-motivated witch-hunt leading to harassment, intimidation and victimisation of electorate and people of Ondo state.

We condemn premeditated and selective harassment and intimidation of any individual and or group by any arm of the security agencies in Ondo state under whatever guise. We demand urgent and unconditional release of the affected youth regardless of their political parties or affiliation.

Lastly, we demand that the security agencies should allow enabling environment that is devoid of fear and hostility in Ondo State. We insist that only a level-playing ground that guarantees fundamental human rights, freedom of association and movement as well as liberty of opinions will guarantee free, fair and credible poll in Ondo State.

WE DEMAND AN IMMEDIATE STOPPAGE TO POLITICALLY-INSTIGATED HARASMENT, INTIMIDATION AND VICTIMISATION BY SECURITY AGENTS IN ONDO STATE!

Kola Are
National Coordinator