The Osun State Government has rejected the Nigeria Police’s security advisory recommending the suspension of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday (today).
In a statement issued on Friday by Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the government cited adherence to the rule of law and opposition to police partisanship as reasons for dismissing the advisory.
While acknowledging the security concerns, the state government stated that it had reviewed the recommendation and concluded that the proposal from the Force Headquarters was biased, partisan, and contrary to democratic principles.
Government’s Position
According to the government,
“The police’s pretense of acting in the public interest, while covertly supporting the illegality of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reinforces our decision to reject this Greek gift.
“From the outset, the police have violated best practices by openly aligning with the APC, a party advancing an unlawful agenda through a non-existent court order. The public is aware of how the police actively facilitated the APC’s attempt to enforce a reinstatement order that was never issued by any court.
“A law enforcement agency should uphold justice, but instead, the police have become an extension of the APC, losing all credibility as an impartial institution. Given the police’s role in exacerbating the current standoff, their advice amounts to a poisoned chalice.
“Furthermore, we draw the police’s attention to today’s court ruling, which issued three key orders: confirming vacancies in Osun councils by validating the sacking of APC local government officials, directing security agencies to ensure a peaceful election, and authorizing the conduct of fresh LG elections on Saturday, February 22.”
Accusation of Partisanship
The Osun State Government also accused the police of prioritizing political interests over legal obligations, asserting that:
“Instead of upholding the court’s ruling, the police have regrettably chosen to pursue a partisan agenda, actively undermining the rule of law.
“However, while the police may disregard court orders, the Osun State Government remains committed to upholding the rule of law. Consequently, we have resolved to support the state electoral commission in conducting free, fair, and credible elections on Saturday.
“We appreciate the police for their advisory but respectfully decline their request. We urge Osun voters to peacefully exercise their voting rights.”
Police Justification for Suspension
The Nigeria Police, in a statement issued on Friday by Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, had called for the suspension of the local government elections based on credible intelligence.
According to the police,
“Intelligence reports indicate a high risk of violence and major security threats if the Osun LG elections proceed.
“Findings from joint intelligence efforts reveal that various groups, including political actors and other interest groups, are mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public order, and undermine democratic processes.”
The police further advised the Osun State Government to consider the legal ramifications of proceeding with the election.
Court Approval for Election
Meanwhile, an Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa on Friday granted the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) approval to proceed with the election.
Allegations Against the Police
The Osun Democratic Coalition (ODC), a pro-democracy group, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of orchestrating a plot to destabilize Osun State through targeted killings and violence.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Yeken Inaolaji, the group alleged that:
“Credible reports confirm that the police, through Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers, have been deployed across the state to instigate chaos and attack members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“If any bloodshed occurs this Saturday, we urge the public to hold the police accountable. The police are responsible for any killings or violence that may occur.
“Their ultimate agenda is to escalate the crisis and create a justification for declaring a state of emergency in Osun. But the people of Osun have seen through this evil plot and reject these anti-democratic elements.
“We call on the police to stay out of Osun’s affairs. Our state is one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, and we stand firmly behind our governor, a leader committed to good governance.”