NDC aspirant condemns pre-election violence, thuggery in Osun

Nathaniel Oduyemi, a senatorial aspirant for Osun Central Senatorial District under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has strongly condemned the escalating violence and thuggery plaguing Osun State ahead of upcoming elections. He described the situation as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, expressing heartbreak over videos circulating on social media that depict alleged political thugs attacking individuals, destroying property, and forcing residents to flee.

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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 stated that the violence does not align with Osun State's values and reputation, asserting, "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 condemned all acts of political violence, intimidation, and lawlessness, regardless of the political party involved, emphasizing that no political ambition justifies the loss of life or endangers citizens.

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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.

Appealing to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, Oduyemi urged swift and impartial action to prevent further escalation. He stressed the need to identify, shame, and bring to justice those responsible for sponsoring or carrying out violent acts, ensuring that justice is both done and seen to be done. He also called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore peace, protect lives and property, and reassure the people of Osun that democracy will not be undermined by violence.

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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.

The aspirant reiterated his commitment to peaceful, issue-based politics and expressed concern about the recruitment of young people as political thugs. He advocated for empowering youths to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, highlighting their potential for state and national development. Oduyemi believes that those behind political violence often shield their own children from such activities.

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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.