Ekiti ADC governorship candidate vows to curb insecurity in two years

By Boye Oyeyemi

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State, Dare Bejide, has promised to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other security challenges within 24 months if elected governor in the June 20 governorship election.

Bejide made the pledge on Thursday while addressing journalists during the monthly congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, in Ado-Ekiti.

The former Secretary to the State Government said his administration would adopt a comprehensive security strategy centred on intelligence gathering, community policing and youth empowerment to curb criminal activities across the state.

According to him, insecurity remains a major obstacle to development, stressing that a safer environment would encourage economic growth and improve the wellbeing of residents.

The ADC candidate said his government would deploy modern technology, including emergency alert systems connected to a central control centre, to enable residents quickly notify security agencies during emergencies.

He also pledged to create employment opportunities for young people through agriculture, skills acquisition programmes and the establishment of cottage industries in all local government areas of the state.

Bejide further promised to rehabilitate critical roads, introduce mechanised farming and strengthen community-based security structures as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and reduce crime.

He urged voters to reject vote-buying and support leaders with the competence and integrity to deliver good governance, adding that his decision to contest the governorship election was driven by a desire to restore security, prosperity and dignity to the people of Ekiti State.