LG poll: Adeleke warns against violence, assures of non-interference

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, said his administration would not tolerate any form of threat to the peace and security in the state.He also warned the opposition party to desist from fomenting crisis in the wake of the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, sitting in Akure, saying there were credible security reports indicating a plot by some elements to cause violence ahead of the council election slated for February 22, 2025.

Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, however, assured all stakeholders of non-interference by the state government in the forthcoming poll. He, therefore, urged candidates across the parties to sell their agenda to the voting public instead of resorting to violence or arm-twisting.

The statement stated: “As a government, we are committed to free and fair elections. We have followed the preparatory activities of the state electoral commission and we assure the public that we respect the independence of the commission to conduct credible elections.

“We are highly educated in Osun State. Our literacy level is at an all-time high. This is not a state where residents can be lied to. They read and digest court rulings and political subjects without being hoodwinked.

“I urge our people to get prepared for February 22, 2025. It is an opportunity to vote for your preferred council chairmen and councillors.

“We are a nation governed by law. The judiciary, it has been said recently, is the harbinger of hope. We must avoid misrepresentation and misinformation about court processes. We have a sacred duty to avoid fake news. It is an offence punishable under the law.

“We have credible reports of plots by elements within the opposition to foment crisis in Osun State. I warn those plotting such evil to desist because of its grave consequences. As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any promoter of violence within the context of the rule of law. We will not allow this state to be plunged into a baseless conflict.”