In light of the increasing violence in various parts of Kogi State leading up to the gubernatorial election on November 11, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has emphatically declared its intention to bring Governor Yahaya Bello before the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague.
The CLO, a prominent human rights group, believes this step is necessary due to the loss of lives and extensive property destruction resulting from electoral violence in the state.
Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, on Tuesday, the Director General of the CLO, Comrade Steve Aluko, highlighted that the attacks, killings, and property damage overwhelmingly targeted opposition parties. This surge of political violence is unprecedented in the country’s history.
Comrade Aluko stated, “Yahaya Bello must take responsibility for the violence that has occurred under his watch as the state’s top security officer.
“We are also calling for a visa ban against all individuals found responsible for the political violence in Kogi State. We urge countries like the United States of America, Europe, China, and other Asian nations to take appropriate action. This will serve as a deterrent to others.
“Governor Bello needs to understand that elections in Nigeria are now a global concern that will draw the attention and reaction of the international community. Any offenses committed in any state of the nation cannot be isolated and left unpunished.”
The CLO leader noted that “most of the attacks are directed towards party officials, supporters, and campaign offices of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as well as the disruption of their political rallies by thugs.”
Additionally, he called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the ongoing electoral violence in Kogi State. Failure to take action may give the impression that either the President or the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party under which Governor Bello serves, is involved in the situation.
