Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has said there are reports that some elements in the opposition political party are plotting to cause crisis in the state ahead of the February 22 local government elections in the state.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Wednesday, therefore, warned those plotting such evil to desist because of its grave consequences.
He said as the Chief Security Officer of the state, he has directed security agencies to deal decisively with any promoter of violence within the context of rule of law, bowing, “We will not allow this state to be plunged into a baseless conflict.”
According to Adeleke, democracy is about ballot papers, not guns and cutlass, urging electorate to “Go to the poll on the 22nd. Make your preference known in peaceful manners. Osun is a bastion of democracy. We are ready as we have the capacity to defend our democratic heritage.”
He promised not to interfere in the forthcoming local council polls, urging other stakeholders to desist from meddling in the electoral process.
The Point reports that governor was apparently reacting to the controversies and confusion that have been trailing the recent judgement of Court of Appeal, Akure Division where the All Progressives Congress got victory against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in a suit over the dissolution of the immediate past elected chairmen of the state.
The APC argued that the appellate court verdict is that the sacked council bosses should resume local government offices and finish their term of office, while the planned LG polls should be put on hold till their tenure expires.
But, the PDP and Osun State Independent Electoral Commission had disagreed, saying the judgement neither reinstated the chairmen nor stop the conduct of the forthcoming polls.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has hailed the peaceful campaigns by various political parties ahead of the elections, saying that February 22 local government election has come to stay.
He urged candidates across the parties to sell their agenda to the voting public without 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 we 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 councilors.
“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,” he warned.