March 29, 2024

 

Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke and his predecessor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola are again trading words over alleged plans to unleash terror attacks and vandalization of campaign billboards in the State.

Adeleke, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed said activities of vandals have increased since former Governor Oyetola returned to the State on January 2.

According to the statement, Adeleke made the statement office while receiving leaders of thought from Osun state on Friday evening. He condemned the increasing disruptive nature of campaigns in some areas of the state, particularly the vandalization of billboards and posters.

“I call on politicians and their supporters to remain peaceful. We must imbibe the culture of harmonious campaign devoid of thuggery and untoward activities. Election is not and should not be taken as war”

“Election is about the people exercising their voting rights. Our jobs as political leaders is to market our programmes and candidates, to convince voters to accept us. It is out of order to propagate and employ violence as an electioneering tool”.

“I particularly condemn the increasing vandalization of campaign posters and billboards ahead of the elections. I was a victim during the last governorship election. Politicians should know that the people are the ultimate decider of their leaders”.

“Those involved in this violent acts must stop forthwith. I’m also directing security agencies to arrest and prosecute anybody caught destroying candidates’ billboards and posters irrespective of party affiliations. We must restore sanity, law and order in our electoral process”, the Governor affirmed.

Reacting to the statement, Oyetola through a statement by his Media Aide, Ismail Omipidan accused the incumbent Governor described as another wicked attempt to smear his good name.

Omipidan noted that all those around the Osun Governor spinning lies and making false claims against Oyetola needed to have their heads thoroughly examined.

The former governor’s spokesperson wondered if Oyetola was in town on the December 31st 2022 when Peoples Democratic Party’s thugs openly engaged themselves in a supremacy battle at the venue of the New Year crossover night.

He added, “It is on record that even the governor as the governor-elect had to issue a public caution to his supporters to celebrate moderately and stop visiting violence on innocent Osun citizens when they began attacking us after the announcement.

“But since then, it never abated. Contrary to their claims, political violence has been on the rise in the State since November 27 when they took over. The first one was recorded at the venue of the swearing-in on Sunday, November 27, when his men attacked Amotekun operatives. These violent incidents, some of which led to loss of lives, are well documented by the people of the State.

“Before the July 16 governorship election, two of their leading National Assembly candidates, Hon. Sanya Omirin and Hon. Lere Oyewumi, openly instigated the PDP supporters to deploy bombs, grenades and other dangerous weapons against APC members during the election. We raised the red flag. Our campaign bill boards were destroyed by them before and after the election.

“There have been series of attacks in the State before my Principal, Oyetola returned to the State on Monday, January 2. For instance, on December 23, PDP thugs attempted to assassinate one of our former commissioners in the public glare in Ilesa.

“Again, on December 28, PDP thugs invaded Best Suites and Hotel at the Freedom Park, in Osogbo, run by one of our former commissioners, beat up everyone in sight, including guests, and even injured the Manager of the place. They also emptied the bar. Was my Principal in town on that day?

“Was my Principal in town on the December 31st when PDP openly engaged themselves in a supremacy battle at the venue of the New Year crossover night?

“I can go on and on. But let us leave it at that for now. I am aware through some of their foot soldiers that they are intimidated by the presence of my Principal in Osun, hence they have been holding clandestine meetings on how to unleash mayhem on Osun and hang it on our neck. However, this too will fail like all previous plots against us.

“They are already perceiving another failure on their wild goose chase. Osun people knows those who are in the habit of using extrajudicial means by deploying non-state actors to deal mercilessly with perceived opponents. This does not in any way fit the person and character of my Principal.

“ I, therefore, want to enjoin Osun security operatives and other discerning Nigerians to be on the alert. Those around the governor might be up to something sinister. From Monday when my Principal returned to Osun, he has been preaching peace. We will continue to preach peace, ” Omipidan added.

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