Leaders of opposition political parties in Osun State have called on the police to take stronger action against rising violence in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to The Punch, the demand was made on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, in Osogbo.
The meeting was attended by representatives of political parties, religious leaders, community stakeholders, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Notably absent were representatives of the ruling Accord Party and the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking at the meeting, the chairman and governorship candidate of the Booth Party, Adesoji Adeleke, said the identities of those responsible for political violence in the state were well known and urged security agencies to act decisively.
“Police should be allowed to do their responsibility. Everyone knows the two parties behind the crises we are having in Osun. The Accord and APC and their representatives that are causing the mayhem are not here at this meeting,” he said.
Adeleke called on security agencies to go after those sponsoring violence and restore peace across the state.
Similarly, the chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Tosin Odeyemi, expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence and urged law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of residents and political actors ahead of the election.
In his address, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan urged political parties and candidates to notify security agencies before organising rallies, processions and other political activities.
He said early notification would enable security agencies to provide adequate security, manage traffic and prevent clashes.
“We must also strongly discourage all forms of thuggery, gangsterism, and the recruitment or sponsorship of political thugs. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society,” Gotan said.
He further urged all stakeholders to embrace peaceful campaigns and avoid actions capable of disrupting public order.
The PUNCH reports that the Accord Party and the APC have continued to trade accusations over the recent wave of violent incidents recorded across Osun State as preparations intensify for the governorship election.
