Osun Govt warns against post-election violence

OSOGBO – Following reports of attacks after the concluded governorship election in some parts of Osun State, the State Government has warned any group against disruption of public peace, saying the state need post election reconciliation.

Recall that some groups and individuals have been attacking members of the opposition in some towns, with the All Progressives Congress, APC, calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to rein-in on his supporters to stop attacks before it degenerates into a crisis.

The state government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the state needs to heal from the pre-election crisis and not compound the situation further; hence, it stated that the state will not condone any act of violence from anyone or any group.

The government also noted the immediate post-election disruptions in some areas of the state, urging residents and citizens to allow the restoration of peaceful coexistence and rule-based interactions among all sectors of society.

It reads partly, “The government is particularly disturbed by reports of plans by some stakeholders to ignite fresh rounds of crisis across local government councils and motor parks across the state.

“This plan, if true, should stop immediately in the interest of public peace. Osun needs peace for development, not political violence.

“The Osun election has been won and lost. Mr President and Mr Governor have engaged on a peaceful way forward. Any push towards violence represents an affront to the Presidency and the Nigerian constitution.

“The government calls on security agencies to enforce a return to the rule of law by ensuring the release of political detainees and an end to perceived partisan policing, especially on local government and motor park management.

“We call on all political actors to speak and act peacefully. Osun should be in a period of healing and building. We must not allow a relapse into the pre-election era of killings and violence”.