Peace Committee Forwards Adeleke’s Security Concerns to Police Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

The National Peace Committee (NPC) says it will convey security concerns raised by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to the police and other relevant security agencies ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Chairman of the committee’s delegation, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, disclosed this on Thursday during the symbolic signing of the Peace Accord in Osogbo, saying the committee had earlier held a meeting with the governor, who expressed apprehension over the security situation in the state.

“We have paid a courtesy call to His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State. I must say he expressed strong concerns and anxieties, which we shall also pass on to the relevant authorities, especially the police and the other security agencies,” Onaiyekan said.

He explained that the committee’s mission was to encourage political parties and candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the law.

“Our mandate is to encourage all political parties to carry on their campaigns and activities in a peaceful manner, respecting the rule of law and remembering that elections will come and go.

In every election, somebody will win and others will lose. That is the nature of democracy, and life will continue,” he stated.

The peace accord brought together candidates and representatives of political parties participating in the August 15 governorship election. However, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, was absent from the ceremony.

Cardinal Onaiyekan stressed that the responsibility for a peaceful election extends beyond political actors, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain professional and impartial throughout the electoral process.

“The security agents are there to secure all of us, not to secure any political party or individual. It is absolutely important that they remain professional in the discharge of their duties and be completely impartial,” he said.
He also appealed to politicians and their supporters to embrace peace before, during and after the election.

“During this period until August 15, let there be peace. After August 15, let there be peace and prosperity. May peace and prosperity be upon Osun State, upon Nigeria and upon the whole world,” he added.

The National Peace Committee delegation included retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, representing the committee’s chairman, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto; Rev. Attah Barkindo; INEC Chairman for the exercise, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN); and Assistant Inspector-General of Police Olabode Fasuba, who represented the Inspector-General of Police.

The peace accord is part of efforts by the National Peace Committee to promote peaceful campaigns, discourage electoral violence and foster credible elections ahead of the Osun governorship poll.