On Saturday, the 18th of June 2022, residents of Ekiti State would go to the polls to elect the next governor of the state. Ekiti state is one of the six states in Nigeria whose election schedule is off from the regular governorship schedules in the country. Other states include Anambra State, Edo State, Osun State, and Imo State.
State of play
With preparation in top gear for the long-awaited governorship elections, security agencies in Ekiti State and beyond have deployed troops to ensure calm and order as recent clashes amongst supporters strike fear in the heart of voters.
- The presence of security troops in the state is a reassurance of voters’ safety during the elections as cases of abduction and armed robbery have plagued many residents in the state.
- At the filing of this report, security forces were in almost every community in the state.
What you should know
- Ekiti State is one of the five states in the southwestern region of Nigeria. And like other parts of the country, particularly the northeast, there is hardly any day that passes without news of armed robbery or herdsmen attack in towns and villages.
- There has been a long dispute between herdsmen and farmers in the state which has led to killings, destruction of land and houses, etc. And this is despite the anti-grazing law passed by former Governor Ayo Fayose.
- The height of insecurity in the state has discouraged investors from exploring the rich raw materials Ekiti State is known for.
- The Governor, Kayode Fayemi in October 2021, disclosed that his administration has intensively worked to raise the state internally generated revenue to N800 million monthly.
- Therefore, one top issue the next governor of Ekiti State would need to quickly address is the frightening level of insecurity in the state.