Osun State: APC alerts Police to looming Anarchy

Last updated Nov 28, 2022

The Osun state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba Usman, to urgently intervene in the seemingly looming threat of anarchy in the state barely 24 hours after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) took over power.

H.E Sen. Ademola Adeleke, the newly sworn-in governor of Osun state.

According to the APC, over 500 of its members have been attacked in the last 24 hours and a number of properties destroyed including the APC campaign vehicles and billboards, particularly in Osogbo, the state capital.

In a statement by its Acting State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun APC said the return of the PDP to governance in Osun state has marked the continuation of brigandage and political siege of yesteryears.

“We knew since yesterday that the beasts of yesteryears have returned to power, but we never imagined the extent of the havoc they are currently wrecking in Osun in less than 24 hours after the inauguration. Today Monday can be best described as a black day for our dear state.

“We are seriously disturbed and concerned about public peace and order, particularly the safety of our teeming members and supporters in Osun which have been under serious security threats since yesterday after the inauguration of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the Governor of Osun state.

“As at the last count this morning, more than 500 APC members have been attacked while a vehicle with APC campaign inscription was burnt in Ayetoro area of Osogbo.

“As at the time of issuing this statement, some of our party members have sustained various degrees of injuries and gun wound at Old Garage, Ogo – Oluwa in Osogbo, and the ongoing senseless attack has already spilled to Ile Ife, Ilesa, Iwo, Ede, Ila and Ikirun.

‘’It is regrettable to see how political thugs are openly displaying guns and shooting sporadically across the state, and sadly, some men of the Nigeria Police Force are providing shield for the criminals, particularly in the attack that happened at Old Garage, where Anti-Cultist Police unit team provided cover for hoodlums to attack innocent people in the area.

“It will be recalled that last week, we raised a concern about the subject matter that the PDP have concluded plans to destroy our party campaign facilities and attack our members.

“Today, we are vindicated because the attacks were carried out in a pattern and manner we have noticed and reported to the police.

“We are not surprised because the hallmark of the PDP and the new Governor is violence and brigandage but it is very unfortunate that the era of locust is returning to Osun 12 years after,” the APC’s statement read in part.

The party, however, called on the Inspector General of Police, the State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to arrest the situation before it degenerates to full blown war, as Osun state has been known for peace in the last four years under the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola.

What is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) saying?

Meanwhile, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed joy over the swearing in of the new Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

In a statement signed by the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said that “the coming of Governor Adeleke represents the attainment of a long-desired breath of fresh air and a new era of peace, transparency in government, infrastructural development and economic prosperity which has eluded them in the 12 dark years of untold suffering, deprivation and suppression under the insensitive APC.”

…them in the 12 darks years of untold suffering, deprivation and suppression under the insensitive @OfficialAPCNg.

— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) November 28, 2022

The PDP further attributed the people’s confidence in Governor Adeleke to his proven capacity, competence, commitment to the wellbeing and development of the state.

“…The PDP is delighted that the new governor already has his sleeves rolled up and has hit the ground running upon his inauguration,” the statement read.

The people’s confidence in Governor @AAdeleke_01 is based on his proven capacity, competence, commitment to the wellbeing and development of the State and the PDP is delighted that the new governor already has his sleeves rolled up and has hit the ground running upon inauguration

— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) November 28, 2022

Source: PR/ Amaka E. Nliam