The Coalition for Democracy and Grassroots Governance (CDGG) condemns in the strongest terms today’s statement issued by the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, claiming that purported credible intelligence indicates a high likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the planned Local Government elections proceed in Osun State. This statement is nothing but the height of the Police Forceโs increasingly partisan posture in the ongoing controversies surrounding tomorrowโs Local Government election in Osun State.
Accoridng to a statement released by the group, signed by Prince Tiamiyu Adekunle noted that, “it is clear that the latest position of the Force suggests that it is very much aware of moves by the opposition in Osun State to unleash violence during tomorrowโs election. A responsible security agency, rather than issuing alarmist statements, should immediately mobilize its personnel and resources to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order. The role of the police is to ensure peace and security, not to serve as a tool for partisan interests.
“If any violence erupts during tomorrowโs election in Osun State, the Government and the people of Osun State should hold the Nigeria Police Force and its leadership responsible. It is appalling that the Police Force could no longer hide its partisanship, to the extent of analyzing court judgments to justify the politically motivated position of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi. This is a dangerous precedent that undermines the credibility of the security agencies and democracy at large.
“We urge the people of Osun State to ignore the false alarm being raised by the Police and come out in their numbers to participate in tomorrowโs Local Government election. This election is in line with the extant declaration of the Supreme Court, which has unequivocally affirmed that local governments in Nigeria must now be governed by democratically elected leadership. Any attempt to frustrate this democratic process is an affront to the rule of law and the will of the people.
“The CDGG calls on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the media, and the international community, to take note of these disturbing developments and stand in defense of democracy. Osun State deserves free, fair, and peaceful elections, and we will not allow partisan security agencies to subvert the peopleโs will.
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