Opinion

OMINOUS CLOUD OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE: A CALL FOR PEACE

Published

2 years ago

February 18, 2022

The Octopus News Admin

The Osun Development Association (ODA) a non-partisan and development focused organization made up of eminent indigenes of Osun State from all works of life views with serious concern the current tension and anxiety in the state with regards to political activities preceding the Governorship election planned to hold in the State in July 2022. We are justifiably troubled that the evolving situation is creating a major breach of peace and order in our State
For all peace loving citizens of the state, the full dividends of democracy can only be enjoyed in an atmosphere of law and order. This is the basic requirement for our State in the quest for sustainable development. However unfolding events of the past few weeks seem to suggest that great danger lies ahead. Therefore there are reasonable grounds for apprehension as political thuggery and violence associated with intra party primaries are being presented as an ugly precursor to the mayhem that may characterize the main election. This is certainly unfair to the peace-loving people of Osun State, which the politicians are aspiring to serve.
The struggle for the control of political party structures, the process of choosing party flag bearers and the election of the State Governor are normal processes that must be part of every electoral cycle. Political parties must strengthen their internal structures to ensure that their processes do not create problems for other law- abiding citizens.
ODA condemns in the strongest terms unnecessary political brigandage that could make intra party and interparty misunderstanding snowball into full bloody crises. The Association offers its platform for conflict resolution which we have deployed to successive State administrations since the Association was founded in 1995 and calls on all people of goodwill within and outside Osun State to broker peace for sustainable development. We urge all Stakeholders involved to exercise great restraint in their utterances and conduct to prevent further escalation of a breach of peace. The windows of reconciliation must be kept open to keep our State peaceful.
ODA welcomes the recent peace pact signed by representatives of the major political parties facilitated by the Osun State police command. Through this instrument the representatives of the parties committed themselves to eschew violence from the electioneering process we urge all party members and their followers to live up to the letters and the spirit of these peace agreements.
Dr Segun Aina (OFR)                  Dr Tunde Aworanti

Chairman                                   General Secretary

ODA EXECUTIVES

Dr Segun Aina OFR                                      Chairman

Dr Tunji Olugbodi                                        Vice Chairman

Chief Bade Adeshina           Treasurer

Alh Lateef Bakare FCA         Financial Secretary

Mr Adewale Adeniyi                 Publicity Secretary

Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN         Legal Adviser

Mr Ademola Fabunmi         Ex-officio

Prof.Mrs Funmi Togonu-Bickersteth  Ex -officio

Mrs Doja Ojelabi                                          Asst -General Secretary

Dr Tunde Aworanti              General Secretary

BOT MEMBERS

Chief Dr B.A Adigun

Gen Alani Akinrinade (Rtd), GCON

Chief (Prof) Olu Aina, OFR

Prince Tunde Ponnle

Engr (Mrs) Olu Maduka, MFR

Chief Inaolaji Aboaba

Dr Segun Aina, OFR