Date: 2018-11-16

The Kwara State Government has expressed concern about the arrests of People's Democratic Party(PDP) stalwarts in Ekiti, Isin, Oke-Ero and Irepodun Federal Constituency ahead of Saturday's by-election.

In a statement issued on Friday by Dr Muyideen Akorede, Senior Special Assistant On Media and Communications to the Kwara State Governor, the state government said it has become aware of the reported arrests of PDP members in the four local government areas by security agencies without lawful justification.

The state government said while it recognizes the right of security agencies to maintain law and order, this should not be done in a manner that intimidates members of a political party while seeming to pave way for members of another party.

The statement called on security agencies to resist any attempt to use them execute political agenda or any unlawful activity and maintain neutrality and rule of law in carrying out their duties.

The state government also called on citizens and residents not to be intimidated by the strong security presence across the state but to the exercise their constitutional right to choose representatives of their choice without fear or intimidation.

All electoral observers, journalists and lovers of democracy were also enjoined to be vigilante and speak out against any attempt to intimidate or disenfranchise Nigerians using the so-called "Federal might"

Senior Special Assistant,

Media and Communications,

Government House,

Ilorin