- Safiu Kehinde
The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has alleged discovery of large cache of ammunition and dangerous weapons at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, following raid on his residence by the police.
NPO Reported that the Osun State Government had earlier raised alarm over alleged raid of Igbalaye’s home as well as residents of six commissioners with some of their occupants arrested.
While the police is yet to confirm the development, the Osun APC Campaign Council in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Oluremi Omowaiye, alleged discovery of weapons and ammunition at the SSG’s residence.
Omowaiye described the alleged discovery, as revealed by eyewitnesses, as a vindication of the APC’s earlier warning of allegations of political violence and electoral misconduct by the Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration.
“According to eyewitness accounts, security operatives recovered a large cache of ammunition and other dangerous weapons during the operation.
“The same accounts also allege that innocent citizens were being intimidated and compelled to surrender their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) after being forced to swear oaths.
“For months, the APC has consistently raised concerns over the activities of violent political elements operating in the state.
“We have repeatedly warned that Governor Ademola Adeleke @AAdeleke_01 and his co-travellers, having lost the confidence of the people, have resorted to intimidation, violence and other unlawful means in a bid to influence the forthcoming governorship election, even when the people of Osun have rejected them on account of their poor performance.
“This latest raid has vindicated our party.” The Osun APC Governorship Council spokesperson said.
While commending the police for the raid, the council demanded thorough investigation over the discovered ammunition and weapons.
It maintained that the people of the state deserve to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence.
“To this end, we commend the Nigeria Police Force for the professional operation and encourage the security agencies to sustain the momentum by conducting thorough investigations wherever credible intelligence points to the stockpiling of weapons or the harboring of criminal elements. No individual should be above the law.
“The peace and security of Osun State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition.
“The people of the state deserve to exercise their democratic rights in an atmosphere free from fear, intimidation, coercion or violence.
“The APC Governorship Campaign Council remains committed to peaceful, issue-based campaigning and calls on all political actors to shun violence and respect the democratic will of the people.” The statement read further.