The Osun State Caucus of the National Assembly has condemned the forceful takeover of local government secretariats across the state by sacked officials affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the caucus, led by the Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi, criticized the action, describing it as an attempt to destabilize the state’s democratic structure.
Senator Oyewumi recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke had, on Sunday, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restrain the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, from allegedly influencing security forces to orchestrate the illegal takeover.
The caucus decried what it described as “acts of state capture through violence, usurpation of authority, abuse of federal power, and gross rascality,” allegedly carried out under Oyetola’s directive.
“We are aware that these dastardly acts are being carried out under the directives of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, and some notable APC leaders in the state, in active collaboration with the heads of security agencies in the state—namely the Commissioner of Police, the Director of State Security Service, and the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC),” the caucus stated.
According to the lawmakers, the violent actions have resulted in the shooting, brutalization, and harassment of several members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), local government staff, and innocent residents.
The caucus warned that these activities were an invitation to anarchy, jeopardizing the peace that Osun State had enjoyed under Governor Adeleke’s administration.
“These desperate acts contradict common sense, especially considering that a local government election is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025. The APC has already purchased forms, conducted primaries, and actively campaigned for the election over the past few months,” the statement noted.
The lawmakers called on President Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to restore law and order in the state, urging security agencies to act with neutrality and professionalism.
They also appealed to Osun residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate the situation further.
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