The Osun State Government has warned political actors and other stakeholders against any attempt to disrupt public peace, urging all residents to embrace reconciliation and peace-building following the just-concluded governorship election.
The government, while commiserating with victims of the tensions and violence recorded before the election, said the state could not afford a return to the atmosphere of conflict that characterised the pre-election period.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government called for healing, peaceful coexistence and strict adherence to the rule of law among political actors and other sectors of society.
It expressed particular concern over reports of alleged plans by some stakeholders to trigger fresh crises in some local government areas and motor parks across the state.
The government warned that any such move, if established, should be halted immediately, stressing that Osun required peace and stability to pursue development rather than renewed political violence.
According to the statement, the governorship election had been concluded, with victory going to one candidate and defeat to others, adding that the state should now move beyond the contest and concentrate on rebuilding trust among its citizens.
The government also noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke had engaged towards finding a peaceful way forward, warning that any attempt to rekindle violence would run contrary to the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and the ongoing efforts at reconciliation.
It therefore called on security agencies to ensure a return to the rule of law, including addressing concerns over the continued detention of political actors and allegations of partisan policing, particularly in relation to local government and motor park management.
The government further urged all political leaders and their supporters to moderate their conduct and statements, saying the post-election period should be devoted to healing, reconciliation and rebuilding.
“Osun should be in a period of healing and building. We must not allow a relapse into the pre-election era of killings and violence,” the government said.
It appealed to all residents to work together to preserve the peace and create an atmosphere conducive to governance, development and peaceful coexistence across the state.