• Demands Removal of Reinstated APC Chairmen, Councillors from LG Secretariats

• Safiu Kehinde

Osun State House of Assembly has charged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to desist from bowing to undue political influence at the ongoing local governments leadership crisis in the state.

This is coming under the heels of the LG secretariats’ takeover by reinstated All Progressive Congress’ (APC) chairmen and councillors with the alleged backing by the operatives of the Force.

Reacting to the return of the initially sacked council leaders, the Assembly in a statement delivered by its Speaker, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, on Wednesday, labelled the takeover as an illegal attempt to forcefully seize control of councils.

While reiterating the 2022 judgement of the Osogbo Federal High Court which declared the election of the APC chairmen and councillors as illegal, Egbedun expressed his disappointment over the presence of the Police operatives at the forceful takeover of the secretariats across the state.

“Despite this clear and subsisting judgment, members of the APC have resorted to self-help and brute force in an attempt to illegally occupy government offices, thereby instigating violent confrontations that have already led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

“Even more concerning is the active presence of law enforcement officers while these illegal acts were being perpetrated.

“The Nigeria Police was physically present as opposition members forcefully broke into government buildings.

“This is a clear failure of duty and a direct affront to justice and the rule of law. The people of Osun State do not expect law enforcement agencies to stand idly by while criminals violate our laws, let alone actively facilitate such unlawful actions.” he said.

The Speaker thereafter called out the IGP, accusing him compromise due to his alleged personal relationship with former Osun state governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.

Egbedun held that the security of Osun State must never be sacrificed on the altar of friendship at the expense of the rule of law, cautioning the IGP against taking sides.

“The Osun State House of Assembly is not unaware of the close relationship between Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the former Governor of Osun State and the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Inspector General of Police.

“However, while personal relationships may exist, the security of Osun State must never be sacrificed on the altar of friendship at the expense of the rule of law.

“No individual, no matter how highly placed, should manipulate security agencies to serve political interests at the expense of peace and stability.

“The police must not allow themselves to become a tool for political subjugation or a shield for those violating the law.

“The responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force is to serve and protect all Nigerians, not to take sides in political disputes.

“The people of Osun State demand and deserve fairness, impartiality, and professionalism from the security agencies.

“We, therefore, urge the Inspector General of Police to act in the interest of justice and security rather than bowing to undue political influence. Osun State cannot and will not be held hostage by personal alliances at the top. The law must stand, and justice must prevail.” He said.

The Speaker, however charged Egbetokun to ensure the eviction of the secretariats’ illegal occupants and arrest all individuals involved in the unlawful invasion.

He also charged the IGP to restore public confidence in the neutrality of the Force by holding the officers who facilitated or failed to prevent the invasion to account.

“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) must act swiftly and decisively to:

“Ensure that all illegal occupants of the local government secretariats are evicted immediately.

“Arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in this unlawful invasion.

“Hold accountable any police officers who facilitated or failed to prevent these illegal acts.

“Restore public confidence in the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Prevent further escalation of violence and political intimidation.

“Failure to act will only embolden those who seek to undermine our democratic institutions.” Egbedun said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker reaffirmed that the scheduled local government election remains sacrosanct.

He assured Osun residents that no amount of intimidation, violence, or political desperation will stop the democratic process.

“The local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, remain sacrosanct. We call on all eligible voters in Osun State to come out en-masse and freely exercise their democratic right to vote for their preferred candidates.

“The Osun State House of Assembly assures the people that no amount of intimidation, violence, or political desperation will stop the democratic process.

“We also call on security operatives to carry out their duties professionally, ensuring that voters are safe, polling units are protected, and law and order are maintained before, during, and after the elections.” he added.