Owode-Ede: APC Must Stop Playing Politics With Security – Osun Accord

Owode-Ede: APC Must Stop Playing Politics With Security – Osun Accord

The attention of the Osun state chapter of the Accord has been drawn to the latest statement by the Osun State APC seeking to brand Owode-Ede as a political flashpoint while desperately attempting to assign blame for recent disturbances without the benefit of any independent investigation.

While every responsible citizen condemns violence in all its forms, it is alarming that the APC has once again chosen the path of political propaganda rather than allowing security agencies to professionally establish the facts surrounding recent events.

The statement issued by the APC is replete with conjectures, assumptions, and politically motivated accusations directed at Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Ede. Such reckless generalisations do nothing to promote peace and only serve to inflame tensions among citizens who have lived together peacefully for decades.

More importantly, the APC’s attempt to present itself as an innocent bystander raises serious questions. Reports and video materials circulating in the public domain have shown Sienna buses branded in AMBO colours in the company of individuals said to be associated with APC political interests.

There have also emerged credible claims linking some of the actors involved in recent disturbances to political elements connected to the state APC. If the APC is genuinely interested in justice, it should welcome a comprehensive investigation into these allegations rather than rushing to convict others through press statements.

It is astonishing that a party demanding police action has already appointed itself investigator, prosecutor, and judge. Security matters are too important to be reduced to partisan talking points. The duty of determining culpability belongs to law enforcement agencies, not political parties seeking headlines.

The people of Osun State have not forgotten the history of politically motivated tensions that have periodically surfaced in our democratic journey. Therefore, any attempt to demonise an entire community such as Owode-Ede or to stigmatise Ede people for political gain must be firmly rejected by all lovers of peace and democracy.

We urge the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the recent disturbances, identify all individuals involved irrespective of political affiliation, and ensure that justice is served without fear or favour.

We equally call on the police to beam searchlights on Kabtok hotel and other hideouts of political thugs of Osun APC who have been terrorising innocent residents for months now.

Osun people deserve security, not propaganda. They deserve facts, not political theatre. Above all, they deserve leaders who place peace above partisan advantage.

The APC should therefore submit whatever evidence it claims to possess to the appropriate authorities and allow the law to take its course. Resorting to sensational accusations and attempts to weaponise public sentiment will neither promote peace nor absolve anyone found culpable by due process.

Signed:

Pastor Victor Akande,
State Chairman,
The Accord,
Osun State Chapter.