Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has enjoined residents to eschew violence during the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.
Governor Adeleke gave the advice while addressing heads of security agencies on monday.
Recall that the Osun All Progressives Congress, APC, had on Wednesday during a press conference berated the state governor, Ademola Adeleke for his failure to hold a security meeting since his inauguration in November, 2022.
The governor, who reiterated that a peaceful poll will deepen Nigeria’s democracy and enhance further realization of good governance, added that democracy should be devoid of violence and the electorate should be free to make their choices.
“Democracy does not need violence. We are called upon to make our choice peacefully. Your ballot is your power. It is your opportunity to decide who governs your state and country.
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“Violence is otherwise contrary to the spirit of democracy.
“I hereby direct security agencies to arrest and prosecute all identified thugs and criminals across the state. All hotspots should be thoroughly combed and agents of violence flushed out.
“Let the state be made safe for our people to peacefully exercise their voting rights”.
“I also call on all security agencies to ensure close cooperation and collaboration. Political campaigns are entering the most critical stages and we must sustain the peace and security we are currently enjoying,” Governor Adeleke stated.
Fielding questions from journalists, Adeleke enjoined the residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation, assuring that security agents are on ground to protect the lives and property of all and sundry.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun, Patrick Kehinde Longe assured that the Police were ready to protect and ensure peace in the state before, during and after the elections.
Longe while maintaining that his officers and men were ready to forestall any ugly situation, charged the youths to desist from any act that can put them into trouble during the election.
