Lawyer petitions Nigerian police chief over escalating Osun election violence

A lawyer has formally requested the Nigerian Inspector-General of Police to take immediate action against escalating political violence in Osun State. The state is preparing for a governorship election scheduled for August 15.

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The purpose of this petition is to bring to your attention a disturbing pattern of election-related violence which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, serious injuries to several citizens, destruction of property, and widespread fear.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, a lawyer based in Abuja, submitted a petition detailing recurring incidents of politically motivated violence. He expressed deep concern over the threat these acts pose to public safety, the integrity of democratic governance, and the credibility of the upcoming election. Olajengbesi urged the police to deploy a tactical team to restore peace and protect residents.

The petition cites widespread fear across communities, with violence resulting in fatalities, injuries, and destruction of property. Olajengbesi, also serving as spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, called for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of all perpetrators, irrespective of their political affiliations. He also requested increased police deployment to identified hotspots and a review of the state's security framework.

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Every incident that goes without a prompt, transparent, and effective response encourages impunity and undermines confidence in democratic institutions.

"The purpose of this petition is to bring to your attention a disturbing pattern of election-related violence which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, serious injuries to several citizens, destruction of property, and widespread fear," Olajengbesi stated. He emphasized the constitutional right to life and the police's duty to maintain public order, citing the recent killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu as a tragic example.

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Elections should be decided by the freely expressed will of the people through the ballot and not by intimidation, violence, or bloodshed.

Olajengbesi also voiced concerns about declining public confidence in law enforcement, stating that a lack of prompt and effective responses encourages impunity. He urged decisive action, asserting that elections should be determined by the people's will, not by violence or bloodshed. The lawyer stressed the urgency of the situation for preserving lives, democratic credibility, and public trust in the police force.

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I respectfully urge your office to treat this petition with the urgency it deserves. The preservation of lives, the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy, and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force require decisive and timely intervention.