From Taiye Joseph
The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has dismissed calls for a state of emergency in the state, describing the move as a “political machination” by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), to destabilise Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.
Reacting to claims by the APC that Osun is experiencing governance failure, the PDP, through its chairman, Sunday Bisi, insisted that the state is operating smoothly under a fully functional democratic structure, with the executive, legislature, and judiciary all actively discharging their duties.
“It is laughable that the APC, which left Osun in ruins, is now crying wolf where there is none. Governance is on track, institutions are running effectively, and the people are experiencing real dividends of democracy,” Bisi said.
He accused the APC of attempting to create chaos by exploiting the recent local government crisis. The dispute, which arose after a court sacked the previous APC-backed local government chairmen, escalated when some individuals attempted to forcefully occupy council secretariats.
The PDP chairman alleged that this invasion led to violent clashes that claimed the lives of six PDP members.
“Governor Adeleke, as a law-abiding leader, has ensured due process in all matters of governance, including the local government issue. The APC’s claim that the Court of Appeal reinstated its illegal chairmen is false; no such ruling exists. They are simply trying to force a crisis where there is none,” Bisi stated.
The PDP also defended Adeleke’s decision to review last-minute appointments made by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, particularly in the education and traditional institutions. It argued that Oyetola deliberately recruited thousands of APC loyalists into the state’s civil service as a financial burden for the incoming administration.
“Our government is not against employment, but it must be done based on merit and the state’s ability to pay. That is why Governor Adeleke ordered a proper review of the employment process to ensure transparency and sustainability,” Bisi added.
He further dismissed APC’s comparisons between Osun and Rivers State, where a similar crisis led to discussions of emergency rule. “Osun is peaceful, government operations are running smoothly, and security agencies are on top of any challenges. The APC should stop misleading Nigerians with baseless propaganda.”
Calling on the presidency to ignore the opposition’s call for a state of emergency, the PDP commended those within the federal government who have resisted attempts to destabilise Osun.
“Osun remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today. The people have rejected the APC’s divisive tactics, and we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to see through their lies,” the PDP stated.
