Arrest sponsors of violence, Osun NDC chieftain urges police

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Osun State, Nathaniel Oduyemi, has called on the police and other security agencies to swiftly identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals sponsoring political violence. His plea comes ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

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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.

Oduyemi voiced deep concern over disturbing videos circulating on social media, which he said depict political thugs attacking people, destroying property, and forcing residents to flee. He described these events as heartbreaking and uncharacteristic of Osun State's values.

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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.

"Democracy should be a contest of ideas and vision, not a battlefield where lives are endangered," Oduyemi stated, condemning all acts of political violence and intimidation. He insisted that no political office is worth the lives of Osun citizens and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore peace.

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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 warned that failure to act decisively could lead to greater hardship and disaster for the people. Oduyemi also expressed concern about the recruitment of young people as political thugs, advocating instead for their empowerment as leaders and innovators.

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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.