APC Governorship Primary: Violence, destruction imminent in Osun, warns Oyetola

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has raised the alarm that there are attempts by some All Progressives Congress members and supporters to unleash violence and destruction on the state on Saturday when the ruling party will hold its governorship primary election.

The governorship election will be held on July 16.

The incumbent governor and predecessor, ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola are at daggers drawn over who should be the APC governorship candidate.

On Thursday, the Osun government raised the alarm that fake paramilitary uniforms had arrived in the state ahead of the Saturday election.

Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, raised the alarm in a statement.

Ms Egbemode stated that Mr Oyetola’s government had an intelligence report that some individuals had stockpiled paramilitary uniforms with intent to distribute them to non-state actors for use during the primary.

Mr Aregbesola is currently a federal minister of interior.

The commissioner, who warned those behind the plot to jettison the idea, said security operatives had been put on the alert and mandated to deal decisively with anyone bent on causing violence and destruction in the state.

“We are in possession of an intelligence report that some persons have stockpiled the uniforms with intent to distribute them to non-state actors for use during the APC governorship primary scheduled for February 19,” she announced. “We warn those behind this plot to jettison the idea as security operatives have been put on the alert to deal decisively with anyone bent on causing violence and destruction in Osun state.”

The Osun government appealed “to parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards so as not to lend themselves as tools in the hands of merchants of death and instability.”

“Osun is known for peace, and as a responsive and responsible government, we are ready to take all legitimate steps to guard the enviable status very jealously,’’ added the government.

(NAN)