By John Dike, Osogbo
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Legislators in Osun State House of Assembly have described as unnecessary any move to redeploy the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan.
They alleged that such a move could undermine security arrangements ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Led by former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, the group made the assertion during a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday,
Besides,they raised fresh concerns over security in the state as political activities intensify.
Addressing journalists, Owoeye said the forum had received what it described as credible information suggesting that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke was uncomfortable with the police commissioner because of his commitment to professional policing and strict enforcement of the law.
According to him, CP Gotan has demonstrated neutrality, professionalism and courage since his deployment to Osun State, particularly through efforts aimed at tackling criminal gangs, cult groups and other security threats.
“It is difficult to understand why any government would be uncomfortable with a police commissioner who is diligently carrying out his constitutional duties and working tirelessly to make communities safer,” Owoeye said.
The former lawmakers argued that security agencies should be allowed to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without political interference, intimidation or undue pressure.
They further alleged that attempts were being made to influence operational decisions within the Nigeria Police Force and called on the Inspector-General of Police to resist any pressure aimed at redeploying security personnel for partisan considerations.
Owoeye also expressed concern over a viral video allegedly showing one Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, within the Osun Government House premises directing individuals described as suspicious.
According to him, the video had generated public concern because of allegations linking the individual and others to the recruitment and mobilisation of political thugs ahead of the governorship election.
The APC former lawmakers maintained that no individual should be above scrutiny where legitimate security concerns exist, irrespective of political status or affiliation.
They further claimed to have received intelligence reports suggesting a coordinated plot to unleash violence against APC members and supporters across the state.
Among the allegations raised was the claim that a white Toyota Hilux vehicle was recently provided to the Osun Amotekun Corps Commandant, Mr. Adekunle Omoyele, by Dr. Deji Adeleke, elder brother of Governor Adeleke.
The group urged security agencies to investigate the purpose of the vehicle and determine whether it had any connection with ongoing political activities.
The former legislators also alleged that Ezekiel Olagoke, popularly known as Ezekiel Oba, a Special Assistant on Internal Security Matters to the governor, had arrived in Osogbo alongside some associates. They called on security agencies to investigate reports linking him to acts of political violence.
The forum further alleged that a secret meeting was recently held at Blue White Roof Hotel in the Oke Oniti area of Osogbo, where plans were discussed to attack commercial tricycle operators displaying campaign materials of the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.
It also claimed that individuals popularly referred to as “Accord Area Boys” had been provided with motorcycles to improve their mobility, expressing fears that the development could be connected to plans to intimidate political opponents.
Consequently, the forum called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations and take proactive measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order before, during and after the election.
The group also urged Governor Adeleke to publicly demonstrate his commitment to peace by distancing his administration from any individual or group allegedly associated with violence, intimidation and political thuggery.
Reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful, issue-based and democratic campaign, the forum urged APC members and supporters across the state to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding despite what it described as provocations.
The August 15 governorship election in Osun State has continued to generate heightened political activities, with civil society organisations, religious leaders and other stakeholders repeatedly calling on political actors to embrace peace and ensure a credible and violence-free electoral process.
