The House of Representatives has set up an investigative committee on the political crisis in Osun State......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
The house also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security heads to immediately restore law and order in the state.
The intervention followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Bamidele Salam and nine other lawmakers from Osun State during plenary in Abuja.
While presenting the motion, Salam warned that if the situation was not urgently addressed, it could escalate and cause further harm to the people of Osun State.
“On Monday, February 17, 2025, violence erupted across several parts of Osun State following attempts by sacked local government officials to forcefully reclaim their offices. These officials were removed by a court judgment in November 2022,” Salam stated.
He alleged that the sacked officials had resorted to breaking into local government secretariats without any legal backing or court order.
Salam also highlighted that the Governor of Osun State, as the Chief Security Officer, had raised the alarm on Sunday, February 16, about an imminent threat to peace and security. The governor had called on the IGP and other security agencies to take proactive measures to prevent violence.
Salam expressed concern that if the illegal takeover was not halted immediately, it might encourage others to resort to self-help in disputes over perceived rights and privileges
He further revealed that the violence had already resulted in the death of six persons, while several others had sustained serious injuries and were currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state.
“If this lawlessness is not promptly addressed, it could escalate into a more serious security challenge,” he warned.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Salam emphasized that the security and welfare of the people is the primary duty of the government.
In response to the motion, the House resolved to: Direct the IGP, DSS, and other security agencies to immediately restore peace and order in all affected areas of Osun State.
The house also set up an investigative committee to probe the causes of the crisis and recommend appropriate actions.
It urged the Attorney General of the Federation to advise all parties involved in the dispute to de-escalate tensions.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the nation and expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to restore normalcy in Osun State.
This is coming after the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over 14 council secretariats across the state.
Some of the affected local government areas reportedly occupied include Obokun, Ife-East, Odo-Otin, Atakumosa-West, Orolu, Ejigbo, Ifelodun, and Ilesa-West among others.
Condemning the forceful occupation, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, while addressing journalists described the action as illegal and an affront to the rule of law.
“Today, members of the opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), forcefully broke into local government secretariats across the state. This unlawful invasion is not only a direct attack on our democratic institutions but also a clear violation of the rule of law and a threat to public peace and order.
“Even more disturbing is the fact that security agencies, who are meant to uphold the law, were present while these illegal acts were being carried out. This is unjust, unlawful, and unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies must never be seen aiding and abetting criminal activities”, he said.