LG Polls: Adeleke Warns Against Violence, Commends Residents for Sustaining Peace

•Senator hails PDP leaders on court verdict

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has assured all stakeholders of non-interference in the forthcoming local government elections slated for February 22.

The governor, who hailed the peaceful campaigns by various political parties ahead of the elections, urged candidates across the parties to sell their agenda to the voting public instead of 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.

“We have credible reports of plots by elements within the opposition to foment crisis in Osun state. I warn those plotting such evil to desist because of its grave consequences.

“As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any promoter of violence within the context of rule of law. We will not allow this state to be plunged into a baseless conflict.

“Democracy is about ballot papers, not guns and cutlass. 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,” the governor noted.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Osun East Senatorial District,  Francis Fadahunsi, has described as a welcome development, the position of his party leaders to the recent Appeal Court judgment on the council elections in the state.

Fadahunsi, who is the Chairman Senate Committee  on Industry, in a statement, commended the PDP members in the state for their response to the Appeal Court ruling.

He argued that the APC in the state was twisting the judgement to suit their personal aspiration, and lauded  the PDP leadership and stakeholders for their resilience and courage.

Emphasising that the people’s will could not be overridden, he said, “I call on law enforcement to maintain order,” expressing concern over claims made by the APC leaders.

He said, “The APC is trying to undermine Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s progress and I urge stakeholders to commit themselves to peace and development in Osun State.”