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Adeleke Fires Back Over Arms Claim, Says APC Behind Attacks
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Adeleke Fires Back Over Arms Claim, Says APC Behind Attacks
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has dismissed allegations that he is planning to procure arms for political thugs ahead of the August 15 governorship election, describing the claims as false, reckless and an attempt to divert public attention from alleged acts of violence linked to the opposition.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of sponsoring and deploying armed thugs who have allegedly been involved in attacks on members of the Accord Party and other acts of political violence.
According to the statement, the allegations against the governor were designed to shift attention away from what it described as the APC’s involvement in the destruction of campaign billboards and assaults on political opponents.
“The Osun APC is merely attempting to divert public attention from its violent conduct, including the destruction of Accord Party billboards and physical attacks on party members,” the statement said.
The governor maintained that neither his administration nor the ruling party in the state had any involvement in illegal activities, stressing that the government operates strictly within the provisions of the law.
“The Osun State Government conducts its affairs within the bounds of the law and due process. No government official or party leader is involved in any illegal operation, including the procurement of arms for political purposes,” Rasheed stated.
The statement also cleared the Governor’s Chief of Staff, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps and other government officials of any involvement in an alleged arms-buying scheme, describing the accusations as “irresponsible, unfounded and libelous.”
The governor’s spokesperson further challenged former Commissioner for Works, Remi Omowaiye, to explain his alleged role in the disappearance of state-owned drones and a communication contract for armoured personnel carriers reportedly paid for by the previous administration.
The statement alleged that the opposition was uncomfortable with the exposure of its activities and was resorting to what it described as baseless accusations against the governor.
“We know why the Osun APC came up with its libelous and reprehensible accusations.
The opposition is surprised by the state government’s proactive response to recent security concerns and is also worried about the growing endorsements for Governor Adeleke, as well as the wave of resignations currently affecting the APC in the state,” the statement added.
Rasheed called on the Presidency and security agencies to disregard the allegations, insisting that Governor Adeleke remains committed to peace and democratic principles.
“We call on the Presidency and national security agencies to ignore the false alarms being raised by the Osun APC. Governor Adeleke is a man of peace who remains focused on serving the people of Osun State and is confident of securing re-election through the support of the electorate,” the statement concluded.
