The current state of affairs in Nigeria, particularly the recent developments in Osun State, demands the urgent intervention of all lovers of democracy.
It is deeply disheartening that a serving minister, within a democratic dispensation, is attempting to sow confusion and instigate the destruction of properties in Osun State.
On Saturday, Oyetola and his team in Osun convened a meeting where they made a unilateral decision to forcefully seize control of the Osun Local Government administration. This move was made without any legal backing or court order, raising serious concerns about the disregard for due process and the rule of law.
As a peaceful and law-abiding political party, we remain steadfastly guided by the laws of the land. Having thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the content of the February 10 judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, we affirm that nowhere in the ruling was an order of reinstatement granted to the sacked local government chairmen and councillors. Any claims to the contrary are a blatant misinterpretation of the court’s decision.
Furthermore, we have critically examined the judgment that led to the removal of the former chairmen and council members. As of today, no appeal has been lodged against the ruling of the Federal High Court that nullified the 2022 local government elections in Osun. This means the dismissal of the council chairmen and councillors remains legally binding and unchallenged.
Additionally, it is crucial to emphasize that OSSIEC (Osun State Independent Electoral Commission) withdrew the certificates of return initially issued to the purportedly elected chairmen following the Federal High Court’s judgment. The All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to appeal this decision, and to date, no court order has reinstated those certificates of return to the sacked chairmen and councillors.
The South West PDP strongly condemns any attempt to unlawfully take over local government
administration in Osun, as such actions threaten to plunge the state into anarchy and undermine democratic principles.
As a responsible party, we earnestly call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene as a true democrat and call Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to order. Court judgments are not open to arbitrary interpretations or inferred implementations. Legal decisions are meant to be explicit and must be followed to ensure peace and stability. The February 10 judgment contains no elements that support the reinstatement of the dismissed chairmen and councillors.
The South West PDP stands firmly in support of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke and the people of Osun State. Since no competent court has issued a reinstatement order, Oyetola must not be allowed to disrupt the peace or incite unrest in Osun through reckless political maneuvers.
Engr Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese Esq
Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, South West, Nigeria
