The Accord senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Kolapo Kola-Daisi, has commiserated with the people of Igangan over the killings that happened during a campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the town, on Tuesday.
While berating the fatal incident that reportedly claimed five lives and left scores injured, Kola-Daisi, in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, highlighted the need for political office holders to completely eschew violence in their dealings, and solely prioritise delivering the benefits of governance.
“I am deeply saddened by this tragic event in Igangan, the people I’ve come to know to value peace and quiet life. I spent two nights and three days in that town, mixing and mingling with the people, and I can attest to their friendliness and hospitality.
“So, this news about such fatal acts of violence really saddens me, especially when it is reportedly related to politicking.
“No amount of politics is worth the life of the people we are elected or hope to serve. In fact, what elected officials owe our people is absolute governance with no iota of violence. This is important because every act of politically-related or motivated violence undermines the very principles of governance. It creates fear, destroys trust, and undermines the rule of law.
“I am a strong proponent of the fact that people should be governed in a way that respects their rights and freedoms, promotes transparency and accountability, and serves the common good, so that society’s stability and prosperity are never jeopardised.
“My comforting thoughts are with the bereaved families and the entire people of Igangan. May such sad occurrence never repeat itself, and by God’s grace, we’ll ensure so,” he said.
Igangan is one of the seven main towns that form Ibarapa mejeje and one of the key zones in Oyo South Senatorial District, which Kola-Daisi is contesting to represent at the Senate.