AAC Demands Redeployment of Osun CP, Alleges Rising Insecurity Ahead of Governorship Poll
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The African Action Congress (AAC), Osun State chapter, has called on the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy the Osun State Commissioner of Police, alleging that the command has failed to maintain neutrality and ensure adequate security ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The party made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Akinlade Semiu Babatunde, who expressed concern over what he described as a worsening security situation in the state.
According to the statement, the recent incident at the Old Garage motor park in Osogbo, where armed thugs allegedly attempted to take over the facility, reflects the growing tension in the state.
“The latest ugly episode unfolded on Monday at the popular Old Garage in Osogbo, where armed thugs, widely believed to be loyal to the ruling party, attempted to violently take over the garage, unleashing terror on traders, drivers and residents for hours. This was not a mere street brawl, it was a brazen show of political impunity,” the statement said.
The AAC alleged that cases of political violence, intimidation, kidnappings and attacks on opposition members had continued across the state despite the recent visit of the Inspector-General of Police.
The party also accused the Osun State Police Command of compromising its constitutional responsibility by allegedly providing protection for political thugs.
“What is more provocative and unacceptable is the emerging role of the Osun State Police Command itself. The Command has abandoned its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property and has degenerated into a partisan outfit.
Nigerians have all seen the viral video where men in police uniform were openly fraternising and providing cover for thugs loyal to the APC. That is not policing, that is aiding and abetting criminality in uniform,” Babatunde stated.
The party maintained that the continued stay of the Commissioner of Police in the state poses a threat to public confidence and called on the Inspector-General to immediately redeploy him.
“He has lost the confidence of the people, and his continued stay is a clear and present danger to peace,” the statement added.
The AAC further alleged that there were plans to create instability in the state as a basis for disrupting the forthcoming governorship election.
“The game plan is now open. Step one: use the compromised State Police Command to truncate the peace. Step two: declare Osun too volatile for election. Step three procure a postponement of the governorship poll by six months and smuggle in an unelected administrator to do the bidding of Abuja. This evil plot will fail,” the party alleged.
Reaffirming its confidence in the electoral process, the AAC insisted that the governorship election should be conducted as scheduled.
“The election must hold on August 15. Our people must be allowed to vote. There is no room for anarchy in Osun. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.