The Osun State caucus in the National Assembly, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to direct the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately intervene and restore law and order in Osun State.
On Monday, the caucus expressed concern about the growing threat of political thuggery undermining the relative peace in the state.
They warned against allowing a breakdown of law and order and stressed the need for immediate action.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Bamidele Salam, leader of the Osun caucus in the House of Representatives, urged the President to instruct the NSA and IGP to address the escalating situation.
He also called on the President to properly advise the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun about the futility of attempting to forcefully take over local government councils in the state.
Salam pointed out that the Court of Appeal judgment in the APC’s appeal against the High Court ruling, which had ordered the sacking of elected local government chairmen, did not make any consequential pronouncement.
He explained that, while the Appeal Court nullified the lower court’s judgment in a case against the PDP, it also dismissed a similar suit filed by the APC in a case involving the Action Peoples Party.
This was because the APC had abandoned the case.
He further alleged that the APC, relying on the Appeal Court’s judgment, is attempting to reinstate the council chairmen whose elections were nullified by the court.
These chairmen are reportedly taking control of various councils across the state, despite the fact that the APC is actively participating in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025.
Additionally, Salam claimed that PDP members and local government workers in certain areas, such as Isokon, Boripe, Boluwaduro, Ayedaade, and Ilesa, have been threatened and intimidated by political thugs, reportedly with the assistance of security agents.
He described the current situation as an “invitation to anarchy,” noting that the breakdown of law and order has resulted in chaos and threatened the peace the state has been enjoying.
Salam emphasized that these actions are illogical, particularly considering that the APC is already preparing for the upcoming elections, having purchased forms, conducted primaries, and engaged in months of campaigning.
The elected local government officials were removed from office after the court ruled that the law under which their elections were conducted violated the 2022 Electoral Act.
The Osun caucus includes Senator Akogun Olalere Oyewumi (Deputy Senate Minority Leader), Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajagunnla, Bamidele Salam (Leader, Osun House of Representatives Caucus), Busayo Oluwole Oke, Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro, Clement Akanni Olohunwa, Soji Adetunji, Adebayo Morufu Adewale, Mudashiru Lukman, Lanre Oladebo, and Sanya Omirin.
