REVIEW & OUTLOOK: Harassment Of Political Opponents And Osun 2022 Elections

 

BY INWALOMHE DONALD

 

THE crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in the State of Osun is gradually reaching climax. Cases of harassment, intimidation, violence and incarceration, which had been buried in the state in 2010, have resurfaced, sadly in the APC under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. It is high time we spoke truth to power. Governor Oyetola should retrace his steps. The Governor should stop the harassment of members of the APC in the State of Osun and other political opponents as we approach the 2022 Governorship Elections in the state. It is clear that Governor Oyetola will rely on force and intimidation in an attempt to win election next year, since it appears he is no longer popular. Members of Osun APC must be allowed to express their wishes politically without fear of persecution. 

It is saddening that the Caretaker Secretary of the Osun APC, Hon. Rasaq Salinsile, former Chairman of the party, Reverend Adelowo Adebiyi, former Commissioner for Works and Transports, Engr. Kazeem Salami, former Commissioner for Youth, Sports, Comrade Biyi Odunlade, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation, Barr. Gbenga Akano, two other members of the APC, Messrs Alaba Popoola and Azeez Adekunle were arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo on Monday on trumped up charges as a result of the crisis at the APC Secretariat during the sitting of the Ward Congress Appeal Committee on August 14. It is sad that Governor Oyetola is not mature yet to manage party affairs. The Governor is not at peace with himself because of the fear of losing the second term ticket and election, and has resorted to fighting dirty to clinch power to avoid the unpleasant experience of losing elections and losing relevance, and in fact losing everything.

The path of intimidation, harassment and violence being towed by the governor and his supporters will lead to a journey of perdition for them, and if not careful, the APC. The APC in Osun today is not only weak, but lifeless because of the avoidable crisis it was plug into by the Governor and his conflict entrepreneurs. However, it is not too late to retrace steps and chart a new course. The Governor needs help to free himself from the bondage of people who are appealing to his ego, fears and ambition. 

APC was lucky in 2018, the luck might not be there in 2022, especially when the progressives’ house has divided against itself. 

• Inwalomhe Donald writes from Osogbo, State of Osun