The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the purported takeover of local government councils in Osun State, which led to the deaths of six persons.
Worried by the development, the House called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the Director General of the Department of State Security, and the heads of other security agencies to ensure that normalcy and order are restored to all local governments in Osun State.
The resolutions were passed following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “Need to Maintain Peace, Order, and Rule of Law in Osun State in View of the Recent Happenings, Which Have Led to the Deaths of Six Persons and Injuries to Scores of Others,” jointly sponsored by Osun Caucus Leader in the House, Rep. Bamidele Salam, and eight others.
Other members of the Caucus include Rep. Oke Oluwole, Rep. Ajilesoro Abimbola, Rep. Omirin Olusanya, Rep. Oladebo Alomoleye, Rep. Adewale Adebayo, Rep. Mudashiru Alani, Rep. Clement Ademola, and Rep. Adetunji Olusoji.
In his lead debate, Hon. Salam, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, lamented the violence that broke out on Monday, February 17, 2025, in several parts of Osun State as a result of an attempt to take over the administration of local governments by officials who were sacked by a court judgment in November 2022.
“The House is disturbed that the sacked officials are now breaking into their respective local government secretariats to forcefully take over governance without any court order.
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“The House notes that the Governor of Osun State, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, had raised an alarm on Sunday, February 16, about an imminent threat to peace and security in the state while calling on the Inspector General of Police and other heads of security formations to take proactive steps to forestall violence.
“The House is concerned that if the current trend of resorting to self-help by political actors is not nipped in the bud, it might encourage citizens to do the same in the face of perceived rights and privileges.
“The House is worried that the present situation in Osun State may escalate into widespread violence unless urgent action is taken by relevant authorities.
“The House is concerned that the preventable violence in Osun has led to the deaths of six persons, while scores of others have suffered severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
“The House is further worried that if prompt action is not taken against this lawlessness and arbitrariness, it may escalate into more serious security challenges in Osun.
“The House is aware that, by virtue of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the most fundamental objective and primary purpose of any government shall be the security and welfare of the people.
“The House is also aware that, as representatives of the people, we have the duty and responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and properties in Nigeria.
“The House is assured that the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies have the capacity to restore normalcy to all the local governments of Osun State.
“The House is further assured that if the Attorney General of the Federation, as the Chief Law Officer of the country, can advise the parties involved, tensions in Osun State will be doused.”
After the debate, the lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honor of those killed in the crisis on Monday, February 17, 2025.
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