Osun State Government yesterday raised the alarm that criminals were planning to adorn the fez caps, T-shirts and other materials bearing the insignia of the All Progressives Congress (APC), its government and that of its governorship candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola, to unleash mayhem during today’s primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, made the allegation and urged the opposition PDP to watch out for the activities within its fold, just as security operatives had been enjoined to deal with real and potential troublemakers before, during and after the primaries.
The statement said: “We are compelled to raise this alarm as an early warning sign of the clandestine schemes being put together by some unscrupulous elements to tarnish the image and reputation of the APC, the governor and its candidate, Government of Osun and to cause trouble and paint the picture of a volatile state, and to blame its doorstep.
“As a government, we held a peaceful, credible, free and fair direct primary without rancour and violence. We shall therefore have no reason to instigate or support violence anywhere within the state.”
“But the fire and brimstone coming from the warring parties within the opposition PDP are scary. The intelligence at our disposal confirms the plot to cause violence is indeed real. However, as a responsive and responsible government, we are already taking steps to deal with it.
“We, therefore, want to warn those behind this nefarious plot to jettison the idea, as security operatives have been put on the alert and mandated to deal with anyone bent on causing violence and destruction in Osun.
“We also appeal to parents and guardians to check their children and wards so that they will not be used as tools by merchants of violence and destruction.
“Our state is renowned for peace, and we are ready to take every legitimate step to keep it so before, during and after the opposition PDP primary.”
The police yesterday assured the people of security before, during and after the PDP’s governorship primary election.
Spokesperson Yemisi Opalola urged politicians to operate and conduct their affairs in line with the Electoral Act, while warning against thuggery and hooliganism during the exercise.