The Osun State Government has warned individuals and groups against any attempt to disrupt public peace, urging political actors and residents to embrace reconciliation, healing and peaceful coexistence following the August 15 governorship election.
The government made the call in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who expressed concern over reports of post-election disruptions in some parts of the state.
Alimi said the government sympathised with victims of the pre-election tensions and violence, stressing that the state could not afford a return to the atmosphere of conflict witnessed before the election.
According to him, “It is time for post-election reconciliation and peace-building. Osun needs healing and we must avoid a return to conflict in the post-election space.”.
The commissioner urged residents to allow the restoration of peaceful coexistence and rule-based interactions across all sectors of society.
He said the government was particularly concerned about reports of alleged plans by some stakeholders to trigger fresh crises across local government councils and motor parks in the state.
“This plan, if true, should stop immediately in the interest of public peace. Osun needs peace for development, not violence in politics,” Alimi said.
The government further noted that the governorship election had been concluded, urging all political actors to accept the outcome and work towards peace.
“The Osun election has been won and lost. Mr President and Mr Governor had engaged on a peaceful way forward. Any push towards violence represents an affront on the Presidency and the Nigerian Constitution,” the statement added.
The government also called on security agencies to ensure a return to the rule of law, including the release of political detainees and an end to what it described as perceived partisan policing, particularly in matters concerning local government and motor park management.
“We call on all political actors to speak and act peacefully. Osun should be in a period of healing and building. We must not allow a relapse into the pre-election era of killings and violence,” the government said.
It urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace and stability, stressing that the state’s development could only be sustained in an atmosphere of security, mutual respect and political tolerance.
