Osun election violence probe not to witch-hunt anyone — Adeleke

Osun Gov. Ademola Adeleke said an inquiry into alleged violence surrounding the state’s last governorship election would seek facts, not political victims.

Adeleke made the statement in Osogbo while inaugurating the Commission on Pre-Governorship Election Violence and a coroner’s inquest into killings in Ikire. He said the commission responded to reports, petitions and public concerns about violence and other unlawful conduct before and after the election.

“The Commission is not to witch-hunt, not set up to persecute any person, political party, candidate, group, public officer or security agency,” Adeleke said. “Elections are the foundation of democracy. Citizens must be able to participate freely and peacefully in the democratic process without fear, intimidation or violence.”

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The Commission is not to witch-hunt, not set up to persecute any person, political party, candidate, group, public officer or security agency.

Represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Oluwole Jimi-Bada, the governor said the panel should determine what happened, identify affected people and establish responsibility where credible evidence allows. Its work will cover alleged intimidation, assault, destruction of property, unlawful possession or use of weapons, breaches of public peace and other unlawful acts.

The commission will also examine the immediate and remote causes of the incidents, the roles of political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders, and damage to property. Adeleke said credible evidence of wrongdoing should lead to firm, fair and lawful recommendations, while the inquiry should also propose measures to strengthen public peace and prevent similar conduct.

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Elections are the foundation of democracy. Citizens must be able to participate freely and peacefully in the democratic process without fear, intimidation or violence.