Group calls for investigation, prosecution of Sowore’s attackers in Ekiti

By Stephen Oladele

A civil organisation, Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocay (CODWA) has called for a full investigation of an alleged attack on pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in Ekiti State by suspected political thugs.

Sowore was reported to have been attacked in a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti by some suspected political thugs shortly after he granted an interview at a radio station in the state at the weekend.

CODWA which described the attack as barbaric asked that the incident should be investigated while those that may be found to have perpetrated it should be prosecuted.

The organisation, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Taiwo Otitolaye, condemned the attack saying it is a primitive  use of state apparatus against a citizen.

CODWA which insinuated that the Ekiti State Government knew about the attack said it hold the government liable for the safety of Sowore.

The statement reads: “The Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) strongly condemns the attack on Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State by persons suspected to be security agents attached to the Government House.

“This is a primitive use of state apparatus against a citizen.

“It is even more perilous given the fact that Sowore contributed immensely to the enthronement of civil rule in Nigeria.

“We are first-hand witnesses to Sowore’s contributions – from his days as a student activist to the peak era of pro-democracy movements. From consistency to the barricades, he was part of the struggle.

“Why is the Ekiti State Government afraid of Sowore?

“To what extent must power intoxicate a political representative holding power in trust for the people?

“For how long will it take for people to realize that power is transient?

“We call for a full investigation and prosecution of all those involved in the barbaric attack on Sowore.

“We hold the Ekiti State Government liable for the safety of Sowore.”