Kehinde Ayanboade,
Ibadan.
Oyo state Police Command has on Sunday issue a stern warning to any sect who plans to cause chaos in Oyo state in relation to the ongoing crisis in Oyo state Local government leadership.
Oyo state police command chaired by the Oyo state Commissioner of Police, CP. Shina Olukolu made this known in a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Olugbenga Fadeyi on Sunday afternoon.
We could recall that there as since been a power tussle between the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde and members of the Oyo state Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) led by Hon. Abass Aleshinloye on the chairmanship of Local Government (LG) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in Oyo state.
The release titled LINGERING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTARATION LEADERSHIP TUSSLE IN OYO STATE: AN APPEAL FOR CAUTION AGAINST Bloodshed admonished all concerned Stakeholders to embrace peace in the state.
The press release reads;
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Shina T. Olukolu psc(+) wishes to draw the attention of all Stakeholders in Oyo State to the lingering Local Government chairmanship tussle in the State and the subtle hint at digging deep by interests and the possible escalation which may entail destruction of properties and bloodshed as the ultimate.
The professional handling of the delicate situation focused on the constitutional responsibilities of the Police i.e the protection of lives and properties is amongst others an effort at policing with an understanding of the environment and Humanness which is one of the hallmarks of community policing. It should therefore not be taken for granted.
The stakeholders are therefore strongly advised to sheath their swords and give peace a chance. More so, as the absence of the staff of the Local Government in the office will not allow any of the contending interest to achieve any tangible or concrete developments in the prevailing circumstance.
Consequently, chaos, bloodshed, lawlessness and destruction of properties or inflicting injuries on both sides will serve no purpose, but an avoidable loss of purposeful peace and tranquility for the entire peace loving good people of Oyo State. A temporary euphoria, a fleeting victory that will not serve any other purpose than a pyrrhic victory that is not enduring and will disappear like the quick sand.
The Commissioner of Police therefore wishes to admonish all the stakeholders to reach deep and think deep to give peace a chance in the “Pace Setter State” where social economic development will thrive while giving the Police a conducive atmosphere to deal with the common criminals in our midst as the patience of the Security Agency is not permanently inelastic.
Hence, economic development, peace and tranquility should remain the focus of all the exemplary leaders, sons and daughters of Oyo State, as bloodshed and destruction is an ill-wind that blows no one any good.
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police sternly warns all and sundry that the Police will not stand by or fold its arms and watch any group or individuals cause chaos, lawlessness and wrought destruction or inflict injuries on the peace loving people of the state, a development that may lead to a breakdown of law and order.
In spite of the forgoing, the Command wishes to reiterate its believe in the capacity, ability and the exemplary leadership qualities of Oyo State sons and daughters to always find a common ground with an enduring solution to their common differences as in the lingering case of chairmanship of Oyo State Local Government Areas.
The law abiding citizens are however enjoined to go about their lawful businesses without any fear, treat or intimidation from any group or individuals whatsoever” He assures.
