Abuja lawyer petitions IGP over reported political killings in Osun

An Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi has petitioned the Inspector General of Police IGP, Tunde Disu praying the police authority to intervene in the ongoing incessant killings in Osun State by political thugs.

The lawyer who expressed worry over the incident pleaded passionately with the police boss to deploy his tactical force to the state to put an end to the unprovoked killings.

In the petition delivered to the IGP, Thursday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Olajengbesi noted with regret that the killings posed an enormous threat to public safety, democratic governance, and the credibility of the  August 15 governorship election.

Olajengbesi drew the attention of the IGP to the pattern of election-related violence, which according to him, has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, injuries to several citizens, destruction of property and widespread fear across various communities in Osun State.

He accused the Osun State Police Command of being complacent and unconcerned in the killings despite several reports lodged to the Command and demanded the redeployment of the Police Commissioner out of the state. 

Among his demands are the immediate and comprehensive investigation into every incident of political violence outlined in the attached schedules.

“The identification, arrest, and prosecution of every individual found to have participated in, sponsored, financed, or facilitated acts of political violence, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

“The immediate deployment of additional tactical and conventional police personnel to identified flashpoints across Osun State.

“A comprehensive review of the security architecture in Osun State to guarantee peaceful elections.

“The immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, in order to restore public confidence in policing and election security.

“Appropriate directives to all police formations within Osun State to enforce the law impartially and without fear or favour throughout the electoral period.

The petition reads in part ” I write in my capacity as a legal practitioner, a concerned citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council (TICC), to respectfully draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in Osun State and to seek your urgent intervention in view of the alarming pattern of political violence that now poses enormous threat to public safety, democratic governance, and the credibility of the forthcoming Governorship Election.

“The purpose of this petition is not merely to complain about political developments, but to bring to your attention a disturbing pattern of election-related violence which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, serious injuries to several citizens, destruction of property, and widespread fear across various communities in Osun State.

“The right to life remains the most fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). 

“The Nigeria Police Force bears the constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, maintaining public order, preventing crime, and ensuring that every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law irrespective of political affiliation.

“Over the past few months, Osun State has witnessed an alarming increase in incidents of political violence. The killing of fourteen-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area represents one of the most heartbreaking incidents. 

“Sadly, this tragedy forms part of a wider pattern of violent occurrences affecting several Local Government Areas across the State.

‘Attached to this Petition are schedules containing the names of victims, dates and locations of incidents, witness statements, photographs, videos, media publications, and other documentary materials currently available. 

“These annexures provide a chronology of incidents that, taken together, raise serious concerns about the prevailing security situation in Osun State.

“I am deeply concerned that despite the recurrence of these incidents, public confidence in the ability of law enforcement agencies to prevent political violence and ensure accountability has continued to diminish. 

‘Every incident that goes without a prompt, transparent, and effective response encourages impunity and undermines confidence in democratic institutions.

“The forthcoming Governorship Election must not be conducted under an atmosphere of fear. Elections should be decided by the freely expressed will of the people through the ballot and not by intimidation, violence, or bloodshed.

“I respectfully urge your office to treat this Petition with the urgency it deserves. The preservation of lives, the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy, and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force require decisive and timely intervention”, he said.