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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
A Civil Society Organisation, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has urged the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, to comply with the directive of Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, and begin arrest and prosecution of criminals, especially those on wanted list.
Speaking at its monthly press conference in Osogbo, on Tuesday, the Executive Director of TOM, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, expressed worry that the current atmosphere in Osun is unfortunately charged with hostility, apprehension, and violence.
“We acknowledge the recent directive from the IGP, delivered via DIG Adegoke Fayoade, ordering an immediate halt to the political killings and violence in the state.
“However, orders are not enough; we need to see visible enforcement. We need to see arrests and prosecution, and we need to see them in a manner that makes it clear to politicians that no man is above the law,” Alli said.
He lamented that recent media reports paint a horrific picture of bloodshed and lawlessness, noting that the state has recorded several unresolved murders that bear clear political undertones, in just a matter of weeks.
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Noting that some people are attributing killings in the state to cult-related violence, the group said “We condemn in strong terms, the resort to the use of cultism as a means to resolving political disagreements and call on political gladiators to do better, going forward.”
The group also observed that the digital public space in Osun has been heavily weaponized by political actors, their media aides, and paid internet trolls, saying “This toxic environment serves only to inflame ethnic tensions, assassinate the character of opposing candidates, and spread outright falsehoods capable of inciting real-world communal clashes.”
TOM call for full observance of the Cybercrimes Act in the buildup to the Osun election, saying the Nigeria Police Force and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) must actively track and prosecute individuals who use digital tools to spread malicious falsehoods or issue threats of violence.
The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field, timely deployment of materials, and absolute transparency to prevent suspicion and subsequent unrest.
They urged the government, security agencies, political actors, and all citizens to work together to ensure peaceful conduct of the August 15 governorship election.
