Osun govt raises alarm over plot to use APC insignia to cause crisis during PDP primary

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State Government, on Monday, raised the alarm over plot by some persons to use the All Progressives Congress (APC) insignia to cause crisis at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, who raised the alarm in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo, alleged that some persons have stockpiled fez caps, T-shirts and other materials bearing insignia of APC and that of its governorship candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola, to be distributed to political thugs and hoodlums to cause trouble at the PDP primary.

The state government called on the opposition PDP to watch out for the activities of fifth columnists within its fold,.

The government also called on security operatives to deal decisively with real and potential troublemakers before, during and after the primary.

The government further noted that it was in possession of an intelligence report indicating that the motive of those behind the dastardly act was not only to create the impression of Osun being a volatile state but also put the blame on the doorstep of government.

The statement reads in part: “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 the government of Osun and to cause trouble and paint the picture of a volatile state, and with a view to putting the blame on 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 is 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 decisively with anyone bent on causing violence and destruction in Osun.

“We also want to appeal to parents and guardians to rein in 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.”