The Ekiti State Government has distanced itself from the alleged attack on African Action Congress presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore at a food canteen in Ado-Ekiti calling the allegations linking it to the incident unfounded.
The government also called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation identify those responsible for the attack and ensure they are brought to justice.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Olayinka Oyebode made this statement on Saturday following allegations by Sowore linking the state government to his reported ordeal.
The statement said the government would ordinarily have ignored the allegations which it described as part of a pattern of unfounded claims and media attacks against the state administration over the past four years.
However it said the government decided to respond to set the record straight and prevent members of the public from being misled.
It noted that the organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon and the Ekiti State Police Command had issued official statements on the incident.
It added that the circumstances surrounding Sowore’s visit and the reported altercation raised questions about his motive while leaving the determination of the facts to the appropriate authorities.
The government said it was absurd to suggest that Ekiti which it described as a peaceful state would harass a presidential aspirant.
It reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state stressing that it would not condone actions that undermine democratic principles and the rule of law.
It also assured residents and visitors of their right to safety and protection irrespective of their political affiliations or opinions.
The government said it remained committed to upholding the rights of all residents and visitors while sustaining Ekiti’s reputation for peace tolerance and respect for democratic values.