Osun LG poll: Adeleke warns against violence

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has warned opposition parties in the state against acts that could cause a breach of public peace during the forthcoming Local Government election.

Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday said, “Credible reports of plots by elements within the opposition to foment crisis in Osun state.”

While assuring stakeholders of non-interference in the forthcoming local government election, the governor promised non-interference from the state government.

He hailed the peaceful campaigns by various political parties ahead of the elections, urging candidates across the parties to sell their agenda to the voting public instead of resorting to violence or arm twisting.

“As a government, we are committed to free and fair elections. We have followed the preparatory activities of the state electoral commission and assure the public that we respect the independence of the commission to conduct credible elections.

“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, like 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”, Adeleke said.

He further said democracy relies on ballot papers, “Not guns and cutlass. Go to the poll on the 22nd. Make your preference known in a peaceful manner. Osun is a bastion of democracy. We are ready as we have the capacity to defend our democratic heritage.”

When contacted for reaction to Adeleke’s alarm about a plot by the opposition elements to cause mayhem in the state, the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress in Osun, Mr Kola Olabisi, urged the governor to come up with the proof.

Olabisi further said, “Let him come up with the proof. It is just a case of calling a dog a bad name to hang it. What election is he talking about? With the judgement we got from the Court of Appeal, will there be two sets of local government chairmen in the state?

“Osun should not be a bad example in Nigeria under Adeleke’s watch. We are not troublemakers, but we will not tolerate any illegality.”