…As Council of the WISE condemns violence
By John Alechenu
ABUJA: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and members of the Council of the WISE of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) have urged security agencies to ensure peace and prosecute those responsible for attacks in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Ariwoola, who chairs the Council, made the call on Thursday at a media briefing in Abuja. He was represented at the event by a member of the Council, Ambassador Godknows Igali.
He said the Council was closely monitoring developments across the state ahead of the election.
The Council commended Governor Ademola Adeleke and other candidates for participating in the electoral process and pledging to abide by the rules. It also acknowledged assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to conduct a credible election.
The Council, however, expressed concern over reports of violence and killings in parts of the state.
Ariwoola described the reported incidents as “needless, unpatriotic, and unacceptable in a democratic setting where the ultimate goal of participating in the electoral process is to serve the people and deliver better dividends of democracy.”
The Council also expressed concern over what it described as threats to democracy and provocative statements by some stakeholders.
It said it and its partners would continue to monitor developments in the state leading up to the election and during the voting process.
The Council specifically appealed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN; Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunde Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Tosin Ajayi; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukayode; and heads of other security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the violence were investigated and prosecuted.
“Take all needed measures to ensure that the unfortunate incidents which have occurred are fully investigated and the perpetrators are promptly brought to book,” the Council said.
It stressed that the Osun governorship election, coming ahead of the 2027 general elections, must be conducted in a transparent, fair and peaceful manner.
Ariwoola further urged security agencies to protect voters and ensure that residents were able to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
“No more human lives should be wasted and the people of Osun State must be given the confidence to come out to vote freely, independently and in a peaceful atmosphere so that the outcome of the election will reflect the wish of the people of the state,” he said.
Other members of the Council who signed the statement include Ms Joke Silva; Ambassador Godknows B. Igali; Mr Tunji Lardner; Prof. Ambassador A.Y. Shehu, OON; Prof. Oba Abdulraheem; Prof. Joy Ezeilo, SAN; Ambassador Abdulaziz M. Dankano; Ambassador Ummu Kalthum Muhammad; and Ambassador Sani Saulawa Bala, Executive Director and Council Secretary.
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