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Demands Submission of Evidence
- Safiu Kehinde
The Youth Mobilization Committee of the Imole Campaign Council has debunked the alleged transportation of weapons with the convoy of Nigerian afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
This is coming amid circulations of claims that Davido had been using his convoy to transport arms under the guise of campaigning for his uncle and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Reacting to the allegations, the Youth Mobilisation Committee, in a statement issued on Sunday accused the All Progressives Congress of orchestrating the claims without any credible evidence.
While condemning the allegation, the committee headed by Davido maintained that the singer had never been engaged in any criminal activities involving weapons.
‘This is an extremely serious allegation, and it is irresponsible for any political group to make such a claim without presenting a single credible piece of evidence.
‘Davido is a globally recognised Nigerian music star, an internationally respected entertainer and a member of the highly reputable Adeleke family.
‘He has built a public career spanning many years and, to our knowledge, has never been publicly linked to any criminal activity involving weapons.
‘It is therefore particularly disturbing that such a grave allegation is being thrown into the public space without verifiable evidence.’ The statement partly read.
The committee challenged peddlers of the allegation to provide evidence rather than engaging in what it described as political propaganda and issuance of sensational press release.
‘If these individuals genuinely have information suggesting that weapons are being transported in Davido’s convoy, let them not stop at merely releasing press statement, they should take their evidence to the security agencies.
‘The Nigeria Police Force, DSS and other relevant authorities have the mandate to investigate such matters. Political propaganda and sensational press releases are not substitutes for evidence.
‘We therefore challenge the authors of the allegation to produce the evidence upon which their claim is based. Where are the photographs, videos, vehicle registration details, dates, locations or credible witnesses?
‘Who saw the alleged weapons, and where were they allegedly transported from and to? Osun people deserve facts, not sensational claims designed to create fear and political tension.’ The statement read further.
The committee accused the APC of resorting to character assassination on account of the large number of supporters Davido has mobilised for his uncle’s re-election bid.
‘It is increasingly clear that some desperate political actors, unable to compete on ideas and mobilisation, are resorting to character assassination and dangerous narratives.
‘Davido’s Mobilization prowress is giving them headache. Davido’s participation in political mobilisation as the chairman of the youth mobilization committee of the Imole Campaign Council is lawful and open.
‘Attempting to criminalise legitimate political activity through unsubstantiated allegations is not only irresponsible but capable of unnecessarily heating up the political environment.’ It said.
While calling on security agencies’ intervention, the committee however warned against playing politics with the peace and security of Osun as it demanded the submission of evidence or withdrawal of the allegation should the evidence cannot be provided.
‘We call on the security agencies to take note of the allegation and investigate it objectively if there is any credible basis for doing so.
‘If the allegation is found to be false, those responsible for deliberately circulating such a serious claim should be held accountable. Nobody should be permitted to weaponise misinformation simply because an election is approaching.
‘Our message is unequivocal: produce the evidence or withdraw the allegation. Those with genuine information about criminal activity should report it to the appropriate authorities.
‘Those without evidence should stop playing politics with the peace and security of Osun State. Political opposition is legitimate; reckless accusations capable of damaging reputations and causing public alarm are not.’ The statement read further.