Mainline Churches Warn Political Gladiators Against Election Violence In Osun

 

Yusuf Oketola

THE Mainline Churches in Osogbo, has warned political gladiators in the State of Osun to desist from violence ahead of the July 16, 2022 governorship election in the state.

The Mainline Churches include the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Osun, the Bishop of Osun Central Diocese of African Church and the President of the Baptist Conference respectively.

In a communique jointly signed by Most Rev. John Oyejola, Rt Rev. Dr. Folusho Babatunji, Rev. James Bamidele and Rev. Dr. Paul Kolawole at the end of a press conference by the churches held on Monday at the Catholic Bishop’s House, Oke-Ayepe, Osogbo, the churches noted that it is the role of religious leaders to engage in curtailing electoral/political violence and promote peace. 

They noted that it is important that there must be protection of lives and property of citizens of the state which is a cardinal task of every responsible government.

The communique reads in part: “As heads of these Churches in Osun State, we identified the need to promote a social teachings and common understanding of the genesis and current state of these unfortunate developments which have overwhelming implications on the lives and safety of citizens and overheated the nation’s democracy, dividing Nigerians along those lines. 

“For Osun State, which is presently preparing for her gubernatorial election come July 16, 2022, it is very important that there must be protection of lives and property of citizens of the State which is a cardinal task of every responsible government. It is the duty of the government to ensure that citizens enjoy relative peace and are free from danger, risk, threat or harm, injury, or loss to personal and/or property before and after the election.

“As religious leaders, there are various ways in which religious leaders can engage in curtailing electoral and political violence and promoting peace. These efforts can be engaged through more collaborative intra- or inter-religious initiatives which include peace messaging and support for free and fair elections on pulpits, advocate for peaceful elections through non-violent and inclusive discourse, religious sermons, civic education, debates and election monitoring. 

“Religious leaders also played an important role – often through larger groups – in facilitating, civic education, candidate debates (including televised public debates) and election monitoring”.

The Christians leaders however, urged political gladiators in Osun to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign before, during and after the conduct of their primaries, just as the politicians were warned not to cause chaos in the state ahead of the election.

They also warned the youth not to be used as a political machinery during the election.

In its recommendations, the consortium recommends that: “Efforts should be made at promoting dialogue towards ending conflicts in the state’s political atmosphere. A comprehensive approach involving the negotiation of political solutions must be actively pursued by all stakeholders including local initiatives on peace building efforts, de-radicalization and reconciliation in respective communities.

“That youth must be carefully engaged in this forthcoming election. They must not to be used as thugs. Political gladiators must desist from distribution of arms and ammunitions to these youth because the aftermath effect of this act will be disastrous at the end of the election.  

“There is a weak collaboration between security agencies operating in the country. The Federal Government should facilitate a process of ensuring effective and efficient synergy between the various security agencies. The State Government must also play active role in protecting lives and properties of its citizen which is her sole responsibility.

“A deliberate effort must be made in ensuring that Osun State remains peaceful and not to allow election to raise the tension in the state. Governance should not be put aside as a result of election as peace and security is determined by good governance. Osun must be in peace.”