APC raises the alarm over plot to attack Osun tribunal

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm over alleged plans by political thugs to attack the state’s Election Petition Tribunal.

But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed the insinuation, saying security agencies should beam their searchlight on the opposition party.

The tribunal resumes its session of final written addresses on Friday

APC, in a statement by its acting Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal alerted the security agencies to beef up security within and outside the state High Court premises, venue of the tribunal, with a view to nipping in the bud violence by some disgruntled politicians.

Lawal, through the party’s director of media and information, Chief Kola Olabisi informed the security agencies not treat the issue of security in and outside the tribunal with levity.

Lawal stated that it is expedient for the assigned security officers at the tribunal to discharge their duties without fear or favour with exhibition of civility during the course of performing their official responsibilities.

He advised the security agents to extend the tentacles of their investigation of crimes in the state in order to bungle the boasted plans of some political stakeholders in the state to sponsor hoodlums to cause mayhem in and outside the tribunal venue.

He commended the efforts of both the statutory and conventional security agencies since the inception of the tribunal with a task to them not to relent in their efforts. 

The APC chieftain also commended the strong spirits of his party men and women who have attended the tribunal sessions religiously charging them not to waiver in their holistic belief that justice would not only be served at the tribunal, it would be seen to be served to the satisfaction of all the genuine lovers of democratic government.

Lawal urged the APC members to turn out in their usual numbers for the tribunal attendance in order to boost the morale of the party’s lawyers who have been working day and night to secure justice for the party in the July 16, 2022 governorship election.

“The members of our party should continue their usual culture of decorum no matter the provocation from any quarters in order to be active partakers in watching the imminent light at the end of the tunnel,” Lawal stated.

However, PDP, in its reaction, said APC is the party scheming to create mayhem to disrupt the sitting because of the bad case it has at the tribunal.

The PDP, in a statement by its caretaker chairman, Dr. Adekunle Akindele said: “Our attention has been drawn to a false alarm by the opposition All Progressives Congress about a purported plot to attack the State High Court by hoodlums. 

“We want to alert the public that APC has adopted a subterfuge of leveling allegations on a plot it has perfected.

“We have the feeling that the APC has a sinister plot to launch an attack on the tribunal sitting. Aware of its very bad case at the tribunal, the APC is scheming to create mayhem to disrupt the sitting.”

Akindele called on the Commissioner of Police to invite the acting chairman of APC and the media adviser for questioning.

“The duo probably have insight into the alleged plot to disrupt the Tribunal. Their testimonies will assist the Police in the maintenance of law and order.”