A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has strongly opposed any plans by the APC-controlled Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Osun State, following a recent local government crisis in the state.
On Wednesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sowunmi dismissed the notion, stating, “It was rumoured that some fellows are deceiving themselves to declare a state of emergency in Osun. For what and why?”
He further pointed to the history of the Jonathan administration, saying, “(Ex-President Goodluck) Jonathan did not declare a state of emergency when the Vice President (Kashim Shettima) was governor in Borno, even with all the shenanigans of Chibok and all of that.”
The calls for a state of emergency came after a violent clash between APC and PDP members in Osun, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals. APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, had urged the Federal Government to intervene, citing the ongoing local government dispute.
However, Sowunmi urged the Federal Government to “perish” any such plans. He stressed that the ruling APC should not attempt to silence opposition parties and create a one-party state. “The governor was screaming that things were not looking normal. Please call Oyetola to order, but the next thing we see is brigandage,” Sowunmi said, referring to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s efforts to alert the authorities before the clash occurred.
Sowunmi also criticized President Bola Tinubu for not acting swiftly to address Adeleke’s concerns. “Everything humanely possible ought to have been given to him as the chief security officer of that state to prevent this kind of bloodbath,” he stated.
The tensions in Osun come amid a growing political contest in the South-West, with Adeleke defeating his APC rival Gboyega Oyetola in the 2022 governorship elections. Oyetola is still eligible for a second term if he secures enough votes in next year’s elections.