OSOGBO — GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, yesterday, accused opposition political parties of attempting to cause trouble ahead of the local government election.
The Governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed that his administration would not condone any act of violence in the state.
He noted that security operatives have been alerted to curb anyone attempting to cause violence in the state.
Adeleke said: “We are highly educated in Osun State. Our literacy level is at an all-time high. This is not a state where residents can be lied to. They read and digest court rulings and political subjects without being hoodwinked. I urge our people to get prepared for February 22. It is an opportunity to vote for your preferred council chairmen and councillors.
“We are a nation governed by law. The judiciary, it has been said recently, is the harbinger of hope. We must avoid misrepresentation and misinformation about court processes. We have a sacred duty to avoid fake news. It is an offence punishable under the law.
“We have credible reports of plots by elements within the opposition to foment crisis in Osun state. I warn those plotting such evil to desist because of its grave consequences. As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any promoter of violence within the context of the rule of law. We will not allow this state to be plunged into a baseless conflict.
“Democracy is about ballot papers, not guns and cutlass. Go to the poll on the 22nd. Make your preference known peacefully. Osun is a bastion of democracy. We are ready as we can defend our democratic heritage.”
Osun govt inciting violence — Basiru, APC scribe
Reacting, the National Secretary of the APC, Dr Ajibola Basiru described the Governor’s statement as an act of intimidation and an attempt to harass the validly elected council officials.
He, however, said legal means would be explored in ensuring the judgment is enforced.
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Basiru said: “The Court of Appeal’s decision explicitly affirms the illegality of the dissolution of the democratically elected local government councils in Osun State. The judgment has no ambiguity whatsoever, and any attempt to distort this clear judicial pronouncement amounts to executive lawlessness, which has no place in a democratic society.
“This is to remind the Osun State government that Nigeria is governed by the rule of law and not by executive fiat through illegal executive orders. Any attempt to frustrate the enforcement of this judgment will be met with appropriate legal responses. The relevant security agencies must ensure that the democratically elected officials have their lawful rights respected and protected against intimidation or harassment by the Osun State government. The validly elected councils now vindicated by the judgment should take every lawful step to give effect to the judgment by resuming office forthwith.
“I call on the Osun State Government to stop all actions intended to impede the course of justice and act within full adherence to the court’s judgment.”
