The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, has accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of abandoning his constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property while concentrating on his re-election campaign ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
Oluyede said the recent kidnapping of residents from Eda-Oniyo and the growing fear among citizens have exposed what he described as the failure of the state’s security strategy despite repeated claims by the governor that Ekiti remains the safest state in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Salawu Ganiyu, the PDP candidate said it was disturbing that the state government appeared more interested in political activities than addressing the security concerns of Ekiti residents.
According to him, the first responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of its citizens, noting that no responsible administration should place political ambition above the protection of human lives.
“The safety of Ekiti people must never become a casualty of political campaigns. While innocent citizens are living in fear and communities are increasingly worried about their security, the governor appears preoccupied with securing another term in office.
“For months, the administration boasted that Ekiti was the safest state in Nigeria. However, recent events have exposed the gap between government propaganda and the reality facing ordinary citizens.
“Security is not about slogans and media campaigns. It is about creating effective systems that prevent crimes before they occur,” Oluyede stated.
The PDP candidate argued that the state government had failed to embrace proactive security measures capable of preventing criminal activities, insisting that prevention remains more effective than responding after citizens have already been abducted.
He called for a comprehensive security framework driven by intelligence gathering, community participation, resident enumeration, and the deployment of modern technology to assist security agencies.
Oluyede further urged the government to strengthen collaboration with community leaders, landlord associations, and security stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering across the state.
“There is no monopoly of ideas when it comes to protecting lives. Any policy capable of preventing kidnapping and other violent crimes should be embraced regardless of where it originates.
“Ekiti people deserve a government that prioritises their safety above politics. They deserve leaders who will focus on governance rather than electioneering while citizens face serious security concerns,” he added.
The PDP standard-bearer maintained that the June 20 governorship election offers Ekiti people an opportunity to choose leadership that places security, good governance, and public welfare above personal political interests.
