Gov. Fayemi orders probe into killing of FUOYE students – TheNigerialawyer

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state has called on the state police
Commissioner, Mr Amba Asuquo, to expose those behind the killing of
two students of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) during a
protest.

Fayemi, who made the call in a broadcast on Monday, said a
Judicial Panel of Inquiry would be constituted to probe the
incident, as demanded by student union bodies.

He said the state government would compensate families of the
dead as well as foot the bills of those injured.

The governor also lauded the exoneration of his wife, Bisi, from
cause of the deaths.

He said it was wrong for anyone to terminate the lives of
students holding a lawful protest over poor electricity supply to
their campus.

“I have in the last few days agonised over the incident that
took place at FUOYE on Tuesday, Sept 10, 2019

“Until the multiple investigations already set up are completed,
I am necessarily constrained from talking about the details of what
transpired

“I however do not need to be constrained about the emotions a
tragedy like this evokes

“Any death is a tragedy. Any shooting arising from legitimate
protests diminishes our fledgling democratic dispensation and calls
to question, our commitment to fundamental human rights

“Having heard from all parties to the incident, it is pertinent
that I now personally convey my deeply felt sorrow for the loss of
two promising young lives and for those who suffered injuries

“Our government prides itself on its strict adherence to the
rule of law. The right of citizens to protest on any issue relating
to governmental actions or inactions is a fundamental component of
our good governance agenda

“We could not therefore under any circumstances, have directed
that deadly force be used on any of our citizens freely expressing
their right to protest

“Even before the conclusion of the investigations into this
matter, we have taken a number of steps; a high level government
delegation has visited the families of the deceased

“This will not be a one-off intervention. We will stand firmly
with, and support the families at this time. Those persons with
varying degrees of injuries will also be given support whilst their
hospital expenses will be defrayed by government

“I have directed the State Commissioner of Police to urgently
commence an investigation into the circumstances that led to the
unfortunate shooting incident with a view to identifying possible
culprits within and outside the Force

“Taken together with the ongoing investigation by the University
management, we will consider the need for an independent panel of
inquiry, if necessary once these fact finding investigations are
concluded,” he said.

The governor said he had suggested to police authorities to
explore the use of non-lethal rubber bullets in managing public
protests, vowing that the Nigerian Governors Forum would take this
up at the highest level.

“I note the initial public statement by the University
authorities and its Students Union body. We welcome the conclusion
that neither the wife of the Governor nor any Government official
directed the shootings

“Indeed it is obvious that the wife of the Governor and those on
her entourage are victims of this unfortunate incident.

“The issue that led to the protest has been the subject of
intense disagreement and negotiations with BEDC since I became
Governor

“Only last week, my Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public
Utilities was still in Benin to see BEDC management on the matter
of inadequate and inconsistent supply of electricity in Ekiti
State

“Though Governors do not have any control over privatised power
distribution companies, the four Governors from the states covered
by the Benin DISCO have consistently expressed dissatisfaction with
the services of BEDC and taken the matter up with the Vice
President who chairs the Privatisation Council

“In addition to this, I have been talking to the Rural
Electrification Agency about including FUOYE in the next round of
their University Electrification Project,” the governor said.

He appealed for calm and caution as government awaited the
reports of the various investigations, saying no persons or group
should attempt to use the tragic incident to destabilise the peace
and progress of the state. (NAN)

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