Osun 2018: OPC Tasks Politicians To Shun Violence

Politicians, political parties and their supporters in the State of Osun have been tasked to shun act of brigandage, hooliganism and any other act that might negatively impacted on the governorship election slated for September 22.

The Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) gave the warning, just as it called on politicians to embrace robust campaigns, rather than embarking on adventures that may truncate the democratic experiment earned through the sweat and blood of those who sacrificed their lives.

A statement by the Supervisory Coordinator of the OPC in the state, Prince Adedeji Aladesawe, cautioned politicians across party lines and their supporters to note that at this period, “We cannot afford to toy with the present opportunity by embarking on adventure that may truncate the democratic experiment earned through the sweat and blood”.

According to the group, candidates who emerged at the primary election should lay down their programmes and policies that would impact positively on the standard of living of residents of the state ahead of the governorship election.

It further appealed to stakeholders in the state, most especially, agents of all the political parties to see the development of the state as a common agenda that must be collectively achieved irrespective of political lineage or differences.

The group stressed: “We must join hands in ensuring that the relative peace been enjoyed in the state is sustained before, during and after the governorship election, as no meaningful development can be achieved in a state of kiosk.

“Major stakeholders in the run up to the election, most importantly, the Independent National Electoral Commission should remain an unbiased umpire and conduct election that would be free, fair, transparent and acceptable to all”, it added.

The group also urged security agencies to remain neutral as they discharge their duties in the line of operations, saying they are paid to defend the people without taking side.