The Osun State Government has warned against fresh political violence, urging stakeholders to embrace reconciliation, peace and the rule of law
Osun Govt Raises Alarm Over Fresh Crisis Plans, Says Election Is Over, Time for Peace
The Osun State Government has warned political actors and other stakeholders against any attempt to disrupt public peace, saying the state must now focus on reconciliation, healing and rebuilding after the election.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who expressed concern over reports of plans to trigger fresh crises across some local government areas and motor parks in the state.
The government condoled with victims of the pre-election tensions and violence, while urging residents to reject any attempt to return Osun to an era of political killings and unrest.
It also acknowledged reports of immediate post-election disruptions in some parts of the state and appealed to residents and citizens to allow peaceful coexistence and rule-based interactions across all sectors of society.
According to the statement, the government is particularly concerned by reports of plans by some stakeholders to ignite fresh rounds of crisis across local government councils and motor parks.
“This plan, if true, should stop immediately in the interest of public peace. Osun needs peace for development, not violence in politics,” the government said.
It stressed that the election had been concluded, urging political actors to accept the outcome and pursue peaceful means of resolving disagreements.
“The Osun election has been won and lost. Mr President and Mr Governor had engaged on a peaceful way forward. Any push towards violence represents an affront on the Presidency and the Nigerian constitution,” the statement added.
The state government further called on security agencies to ensure a return to the rule of law, including the release of political detainees and an end to what it described as perceived partisan policing, particularly in the management of local governments and motor parks.
“We call on all political actors to speak and act peacefully. Osun should be in a period of healing and building. We must not allow a relapse into the pre-election era of killings and violence,” the government said.
The administration maintained that lasting peace remains essential to the development of the state and urged all sides to put political differences aside and work towards restoring stability and peaceful coexistence across Osun.
