………..As Gov Adeleke insists that election must hold tomorrow
Tunde Omoniyi
The Nigeria Police Force has advised the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke to suspend the local government election scheduled for Saturday, February 22.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that the Police received credible intelligence indicating a high likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the planned elections proceed, stating that reports gathered from joint intelligence gathering revealed that various groups, including political elements and other interested parties, are mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace and undermine the democratic order.
The PPRO added that given the imminent threat to security, the NPF strongly advised the Osun State Government to suspend the planned elections forthwith in the interest of public safety and national stability.
He went further to state that the Force has assessed the current security landscape and determined that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could escalate into widespread unrest, endangering lives and property as the Force has restated its preparedness to take decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Investigator news reports that the police statement is coming after the Osun State High Court in Ilesa ordered the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, (OSSIEC), to conduct elections for the vacant positions of chairmen and councillors in the 30 local government areas of the South-West state.
Meanwhile the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke,has insisted that there is no going back on the local government election in the South-West state despite an appeal from the Federal Government
The governor made this known in a statement by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, despite an appeal from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to suspend the polls.
“As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. Election is going to hold, and the outcome will be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state,” the statement read
“Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors. OSIEC has also done a marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses,” the governor said.
It will be recalled that the Attorney General of the Federation had on Thursday called on Adeleke to instruct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, warning that it would be invalid and a violation of the Constitution.
