Adebayo Adenrele
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming June 20 Gubernatorial poll in Ekiti, Ambassador Dare Bejide, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the state of running an anti-democratic government that suppresses opposition voices and intimidates political opponents.
Bejide made the allegation while addressing journalists during the May Congress edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, held at the Tai Oguntayo Hall, NUJ Secretariat, Old Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.
The ADC candidate alleged that the current administration, under Governor Biodun Oyebanji was intolerant of dissenting opinions and had created an atmosphere where opposition politicians and perceived critics were subjected to harassment.
According to him, democracy thrives on the freedom of individuals and groups to express differing views, adding that any attempt to silence opposition amounts to a violation of democratic principles.
His words, “The government has been persistent in intimidating opposition members. It is not only our party; even within their own party, they are intimidating members they believe are not with them.
“I visited the prison today and met several people accused of one offence or the other based on political differences. I met APC members, PDP members and even ADC members. This government does not want opposition.
“They do not want dissenting voices, which is anti-democratic. Democracy is about people offering their own positions and views, but this government is intolerant of that”.
Outlining his vision for the state, the ADC flagbearer identified youth unemployment, insecurity and lack of transparency in governance as some of the most pressing challenges confronting Ekiti.
He said that if elected governor, he would prioritise creation of employment opportunities for young people by engaging qualified youths in government service and making agriculture more attractive as a means of livelihood.
Bejide also pledged to strengthen security across the state through the establishment of a community policing agency and increased support for security agencies.
According to him, insecurity has become a major concern in many communities and requires urgent intervention to restore confidence among residents and investors.
On governance, the ADC candidate promised to institute a transparent and accountable administration, stressing that citizens currently lack access to critical information regarding the state’s finances.
Bejide alleged that the current government had failed to provide clear information on federal allocations, internally generated revenue and contract awards.
The Candidate stressed that his administration would adopt a grassroots-driven development model, where communities would be actively involved in determining projects that directly address their needs.
The governorship hopeful also emphasized the need to create a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investors and stimulating economic growth across the state.
“As governor, my most urgent assignment will be to take our youngsters off the streets. We will employ those with the necessary skills into government service and make agriculture attractive to the youth. We will also establish skill acquisition centres to improve their employability and competitiveness.
“We will establish a community policing agency because insecurity has rendered many people helpless. We will encourage and empower relevant security agencies to ensure that Ekiti enjoys lasting peace.
“Nobody knows exactly how much is coming into the state. Some say it is N25 billion, others say N30 billion. We will publish monthly details of federal allocations and internally generated revenue. The people deserve to know how public funds are being managed.
“We will not impose projects on communities. We will engage stakeholders and ask them what they need. Development will be driven from the grassroots. Communities should have a say in projects that affect them” he added.
