The House of Representative candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Ogun State, Toyin Amuzu, has condemned Thursday’s attack on the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Iyana Mortuary Area of Abeokuta, the state capital.
Amuzu tasked security agencies to provide adequate security to all INEC facilities in Ogun State, calling on Nigerians to shun violence and any act that could undermine the successful conduct of the 2023 elections.
It was reported earlier that the Iyana Mortuary office of the electoral umpire in Abeokuta was set on fire overnight by suspected hoodlums.
Amuzu, who condemned what he called an ignoble act, declared that an atmosphere devoid of peace and security would not augur well for the electioneering process.
He said: “Politics of violence and arson must be totally condemned and discouraged. Why would anyone want to destroy voters’ cards and documents needed for a keen contest? We are calling on politicians to rein in their supporters and ensure we play clean politics.
“The burning down of INEC office is a dangerous precedent that must be thoroughly investigated, while perpetrators must be apprehended to face the wrath of the law.”
While sympathising with INEC, the Egba Chief maintained that “the responsibility given to the electoral body was enormous and must be supported by all and sundry to achieve success.”
He, therefore, called on various security agencies in the country to be up and doing in protecting the lives and properties of the people.
“Our security apparatchiks are trying, however, such criminal attacks must be nipped in the bud,” he said in a statement made available to newsmen.
He warned private individuals to desist from being used to cause violence to derail the process of electing leaders in the 2023 elections.
