UK-based presidential candidate Dr Soyode adds his voice to condemnation of Plateau killings

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Dr Ali Soyode has added his voice to the ongoing debate about the murder of over 100 people in Plateau State stating that the federal government should make the protection of lives and property its primary preoccupation.

Last month, armed Fulani cattle herdsmen attacked the villages of Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp in Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, hacking 86 innocent people to death. Some reports indicate that the number of deaths could be as high as 200 and the government has come under severe attack for not combating what has now become a major national problem.

Dr Soyode, the chairman of the largest black TV station in Europe Ben TV, joined Nigeria's presidential race earlier this year, standing under the banner of the Yes Nigeria Movement. Adding his voice to the condemnation of the attacks in Plateau State, he has called on both state and federal governments to protect lives and property as enshrined in the constitution and on moral, cultural and religious grounds.

According to Dr Soyode, more than 2,000 people were allowed to die from preventable causes such murder, herdsmen/farmer's clashes, gas explosions, bad road infrastructure and the lack of healthcare facilities among other things. Pointing to the economic losses that accrue from such deaths, Dr Soyode said more should be done by state and federal governments to bring back the rule of law and ensure its full obedience as if not, it would lead to more hardship for the ordinary citizens of Nigeria.

Dr Soyode said: “All these can be avoided and curtailed if the people feels the leadership is there for them. It is unfortunate and saddening to read, watch or listen to news daily about the challenges and crises as there is always an opportunity to give peace a chance.

"Peace helps communities to build their economy, have better things of life, enjoy the structures provided by governments and make the obedience of law easier. We do not need the sad news daily facing us when we can all collectively do better to help build a nation which has all the necessary resources to be great."

On the recent killings in Plateau State, he added that the delay in providing an immediate response by leaders is reducing faith in security expected by the people. Dr Soyode added that local people need their hope build positively and subsequently want to the criminals responsible for the killings arrested and judgement obtained in a competent court of law.

However, Dr Soyode commended the Nigeria armed forces for working with the resources available to them especially those in the frontline, noting that as more resources and welfare are provided, they should become more motivated and inspired to do more for the nation. He added that there is the need to consider the state security option as several governors have complained of the lack of power to secure their domains.

 “Let me appeal to the members of National Assembly, federal government and the leaders to see to the urgent need to protect all Nigerians. I am appealing them to see to it that security is very pivotal and I believe this can be done within a period of three months because Nigerians need peace and peace brings in the sorted growth in business and investments.

“We need to focus on what unites us as a nation and work on them to have a better and greater nation.  I sympathise with Nigerians most especially the people of states which lost their loved ones and pray for those injured for a fast recovery," Dr Soyode added.

Asking President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call and invite all political office aspirants to a summit where the issue of peace will be discussed, Dr Soyode said this is necessary in the run-up to next year's elections. He added that the values of the electorate and the importance of each person, is vital to ensure Nigeria remains united.