Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown their weight behind Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, as the state grapples with an escalating leadership crisis at the local government level.
The crisis began following a controversial Federal High Court ruling in Osogbo last year, which led to the dismissal of Osun State’s local government chairmen and councillors.
This decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal in Akure, which reinstated the officials.
However, attempts to restore the local government leaders sparked violent clashes, resulting in several deaths across the state.
In a statement issued by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), the party’s governors condemned the violence and reaffirmed their support for Adeleke. The statement also noted that the governor had previously raised concerns about potential unrest in the region.
“The PDP Governors’ Forum notes with deep concern the recent political violence in Osun State, which led to the loss of lives and the destruction of property,” the statement read. “The concern of the PDPGF stems from the fact that Governor Ademola Adeleke had warned about the imminent breakdown of law and order and appealed to the responsible authorities to act to prevent this outcome.”
The forum strongly condemned the use of violence to resolve political disputes, emphasising that political actors should have adhered to the laws of the land. The governors also expressed their concern over the growing use of violent tactics to settle political and legal differences, calling on all involved parties to immediately cease actions that could further inflame tensions.
“The PDPGF condemns in its entirety the resort to self-help by political players whose conduct ought to have been guided by the provisions of extant laws in a democratic society,” the statement continued.
“The Forum further notes with deep worry the resort to violence as a means of settling political and legal disputes and warns all those fanning the embers of discord to desist forthwith.”
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The governors lauded Adeleke for his proactive stance in issuing timely warnings before violence erupted, calling it an example of strong and responsible leadership.
“The PDPGF appeals to His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, the Director-General of the DSS, the Inspector General of Police, and the heads of other law enforcement agencies to act swiftly,” the statement urged.
“They should direct all law enforcement agencies to contain the situation in Osun State, restore law and order, and guarantee the preservation of lives and property before the situation spirals further out of control.”
The forum also underscored the importance of political leadership being focused on public service and not on violence or lawlessness. “Political leadership should be about patriotic sacrifice and service to the people, not about bloodshed and violent criminal conduct,” the statement added. “We charge all stakeholders in Osun State to abide by the law and work towards the safety, protection, and welfare of the people.”
In conclusion, the PDP Governors’ Forum expressed hope for a swift return to peace in Osun and called for the prosecution of those responsible for the violence that has marred the state.
The ongoing tensions in Osun State remain a significant concern, and the forum’s statement highlights the urgent need for political leaders and law enforcement to prioritise stability and peace in the region.
