Residents of Ekiti State have been urged to remain united despite the challenges facing the state.
Ayodele Fayose, governor of the state made the call in a congratulatory message to the people of the state over the nation’s democracy day celebration on Friday.
Fayose also congratulated the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Muhammadu Buhari, President-elect for a historic election that culminated in the handing over from a PDP-led federal government to hitherto opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, on Friday.
The governor used the opportunity to further pledge his determination to protect democratic norms and values of the state, while calling for peace and unity among Ekiti residents.
“I am more than determined to protect the democratic norms and values in our state. The unity, peace and stability of our state as well as the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable.
“Ekiti people are known as a strong, resilient and courageous people, therefore, we must all rise in unison with patriotic zeal and collective determination to overcome various challenges confronting our dear state,” he said in a statement issued on Thursday by Idowu Adelusi, his Chief Press Secretary.
“As a state, we have our good and bad days, but it is important to understand that rancour poses a serious threat to the development and sustenance of democracy.
“Despite the challenges we face in Ekiti State, we must commend all peace-loving people of the state for opposing forces of evil who are the enemies of democracy, determined to truncate the electoral wishes of the people,” the statement said.
The state has witnessed a series of security challenges in recent days including the kidnapping of 11 persons by unknown gunmen.
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