By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm over what it described as indications of a possible fresh political crisis at local government council secretariats across the state.
The party alleged that the state government could be preparing to use security concerns as a pretext to intimidate political opponents and interfere with the administration of local governments currently controlled by APC-backed officials.
The state APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, made the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi.
Lawal’s warning followed a recent statement by the Osun State Government alleging that some individuals or groups were planning to cause crises at local government council secretariats and motor parks in the aftermath of the August 15 governorship election.
The APC chairman said while any credible intelligence suggesting plans to attack public institutions or motor parks should be taken seriously, such information should be immediately made available to the relevant security agencies for investigation and appropriate preventive action.
He cautioned the government against using the allegation of a planned attack to create fear or justify actions capable of escalating political tension in the state.
According to him, the priority of the government and security agencies at this time should be the protection of lives and property and the prevention of violence, rather than the persecution of political opponents.
Lawal specifically drew the attention of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to the APC-led Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) administrations, which he said remain the occupants of local government council premises across the state.
He called on the security agencies to ensure the safety of local government officials, council workers and other lawful occupants of the secretariats, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“The APC-led ALGON local government administrations are the current occupants of these council premises. The responsibility of the police is to protect lives and property and guarantee their safety. Nobody should be attacked, intimidated or forcibly removed under the guise of political disagreement,” he said.
The APC chairman urged the police and other security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to local government secretariats and other sensitive locations to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the possibility of a repeat of the alleged treatment meted out to one Remi Abass, warning that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into violence or abuse of citizens.
Lawal appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to exercise restraint and remember that he is governor of the entire state, including residents who did not vote for him in the recent election.
“Osun cannot afford another cycle of political violence. If the government has credible intelligence about plans to attack local government councils or motor parks, let it hand such intelligence over to the security agencies instead of using the allegation to create unnecessary tension,” he said.
The APC chairman further called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering across the state.
He particularly requested increased security around local government secretariats, motor parks and other locations considered vulnerable to possible attacks.
He also appealed to political actors on all sides to avoid provocative statements and actions that could heighten tension following the governorship election.
Lawal maintained that political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, constitutional processes and, where necessary, the courts, rather than through intimidation or violence.
He said the peace and stability of Osun should not be sacrificed for political interests, stressing that the state belongs to all its residents regardless of their political affiliations.
The APC chairman urged Governor Adeleke to demonstrate what he described as responsible leadership by reducing political tension, protecting opposition members and ensuring that government institutions and security agencies remained politically neutral.
“Osun people are watching. This is the time for responsible leadership, not revenge politics. No political victory is worth the blood, freedom or property of any citizen,” Lawal added.
He called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding, while urging security agencies to deal decisively with anyone found planning or perpetrating violence, regardless of political affiliation.
Lawal said the APC remained committed to peaceful and constitutional means of resolving political disputes, urging all stakeholders to prioritise peace, justice and the security of the people as the state moves into the post-election period.
The APC has continued to raise concerns over the safety of its members and supporters in some parts of the state.