Yemisi Dada
A Civil Society Organization known as Coalition for Good Governance, CGG, has urged the Osun State government and the state’s Independent Electoral Commission, to put on hold the local government election slated for Saturday, February 22, in view of the ongoing political crisis in the state to prevent loss of innocent lives.
Convener, CGG, Comrade Nelson Ekujumi, who made the call at a news conference held at Ogba, said the political tension in Osun State must be doused to restore peace and unity in the state termed civil servants state.
Comrade Ekujumi who harped on the need for the state government to protect citizens rights and respect the rule of law, cautioned against undemocratic threat to security authorities by supporters of the ruling party.
“We are troubled that Security in a hitherto peaceful Osun State is being stretched by actions of political actors. Regrettably, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has not been able to show the deserving and needed leadership and it’s unfortunate and sad. His decision to go ahead with a planned Local Government Election may further instigate tension and unrest in the state. We learn on good authority that the planned election is part of the state government schemes to provoke crises in the state in order to demonize President Bola Tinubu and and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.”
“We also want to appeal to the authorities of the British High Commission, embassies of the United States of America, France and other democracy-loving countries in Nigeria to be circumspect on the political developments in Osun State and not rush to judgement based on allegations and counter allegations, but harp on the need for the state government to protect citizens right and respect the rule of law. Adeleke’s actions in the current imbroglio are undemocratic and unbecoming of his office as the Governor of Osun State”
The group implored the Nigerian Police, Department of State Service, DSS and other security agencies to investigate those behind the political unrest in Osun State, noting that no one is above the law, and anyone found culpable should face the wrath of the law.
“Our investigation has revealed that name-calling and blackmailing of the Inspector General of Police is a ploy to divert the attention of the law enforcement agents from investigating and bringing to book perpetrators of Monday carnage in Osun State. From all indications, the carnage appears sponsored and the Police must do everything to apprehend the troublers of peace in the state. All the identified thugs, particularly Nurudeen Alawonle, who was recently arrested with a police pistol and Emir Ajagungbade, who is facing charges of kidnapping, terrorism and murder at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, must be arrested for investigation.”
On his part, the Co-convener, Comrade Rasheed Oyewunmi, emphasized that development can only thrive where peace reign supreme and urged all residents of Osun to be law abiding and obey the law of the land, with a call on those who are bent on formenting trouble to have a rethink and allow peace which democratic governance is known for.
“As keen Observers of polity and political events in Osun State, we are of the firm belief that the Security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Security have discharged their constitutional responsibilities dutifully and professionally. They have decently managed the carnage that took place in Osun State”
“All these allegations and counter allegations of assassination and murders by both the state government of Osun and the opposition APC are grave and capable of degenerating to Anarchy if poorly managed.”
In the last one week, over ten lives have been lost in Osun State as both the All Progressive Congress Party and People Democratic Party, trade blames for the unfortunate incidents over return of local government Chairmen sacked in 2022.