Arrest sponsors of violence, Osun NDC chieftain urges police

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A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Osun State, Nathaniel Oduyemi, has urged the police and other security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute sponsors of political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

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Oduyemi also warned that those behind the violence should not be allowed to escape justice, saying political ambition must never be placed above the lives of citizens.

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In a statement he personally issued on Saturday, the politician said he was disturbed by videos circulating on social media showing alleged political thugs attacking people, destroying property and forcing residents to flee for safety.

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“I have watched with deep pain and concern the disturbing events unfolding across parts of Osun State ahead of the forthcoming elections. The horrifying videos circulating on social media, showing vehicles allegedly conveying political thugs, violent attacks, destruction of property and innocent citizens running for safety, have left me heartbroken,” he said.

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According to him, the violence does not reflect the state’s values and reputation.

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“This is not the Osun we know, and certainly not the image our dear state should be projecting to Nigeria and the international community,” he stated.

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Oduyemi condemned “every act of political violence, intimidation and lawlessness allegedly perpetrated by individuals associated with any political party,” insisting that no political office was worth the loss of lives.

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“No political ambition is worth the blood of any son or daughter of Osun State. Democracy should be a contest of ideas and vision, not a battlefield where lives are endangered,” he added.

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Oduyemi called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly and impartially to prevent the situation from escalating.

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“The situation must not be allowed to deteriorate beyond control. Those responsible for sponsoring or carrying out acts of violence must be identified, shamed and brought to justice. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” he said.

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He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore peace in the state.

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“As the leader of the nation, I urge Mr President to ensure that every necessary step is taken to restore calm, protect lives and property, and reassure the people of Osun that democracy will not be undermined by violence.

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“Failure to act swiftly could expose our people to greater hardship and unimaginable disaster,” he said.

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The politician reiterated his commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics, saying he would not embrace violence in pursuit of political office.

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He expressed concern over the recruitment of young people as political thugs, saying the state’s youths should instead be empowered to become leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.

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“Our youths deserve much better than being recruited as political thugs. They possess enormous talents, intelligence and creativity that should be harnessed for the development of our state and our nation,” he stated.

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He further stated that those behind political violence often shield their own children from such activities while exposing poor youths to danger.

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“If investigations nail any political leader to these unrest, I will stop at nothing until such is seen behind bars,” he declared.

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Oduyemi urged young people to reject any invitation to engage in violence, warning that the consequences could last for generations.

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“Elections will come and go, but the consequences of violence may remain for generations,” he said.

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He also called on parents, guardians, religious leaders and traditional rulers to discourage young people from allowing themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble.

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The senatorial aspirant pledged that, if elected to represent Osun Central Senatorial District, he would champion policies to empower youths through quality education, skills acquisition, enterprise development and job creation.

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He concluded by praying for peace and urging all stakeholders to work towards preserving democracy in the state.

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“May wisdom prevail over anger, dialogue over violence, and peace over conflict. Together, let us preserve the sanctity of our democracy and build an Osun State where every citizen can live without fear,” he said.

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