A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Osun State has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state to address the ongoing local government impasse, the groups said in a statement.
The coalition includes the Centre for Justice Initiatives (CJI), Community Advocacy Initiative for Local Government Development (ILGD), and Centre for Justice and Community Advocacy, Nigeria (CJCAN).
The spokesperson for ILGD, Comrade Kanyinsola Adebayo, said the coalition advocates for rule of law, the sanctity of the constitution, and protection of lives, which she said are under threat due to the state government’s disregard for Appeal and Supreme Court rulings recognizing APC-led chairmen and councillors as lawful administrators.
She described the situation as a constitutional breakdown, citing Section 1(3) of the Constitution that states any action inconsistent with the Constitution is null and void.
Adebayo said the state government’s actions, including misrepresentation of court judgments, refusal to obey verdicts, interference in local government administration, and denial of financial autonomy, have endangered public security and led to the murder of Irewole council chairman, Hon. Remi Abass.
Ayomide Adeniyi, Secretary of ILGD, cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, stating that it empowers the President to declare a state of emergency to restore public order and ensure governance can continue according to constitutional provisions.
Comrade Amusa Opeyemi, Secretary General of CJCAN, called on the Nigerian Senate to approve a state of emergency similar to the one declared in Rivers State and urged the Inspector General of Police to prosecute those involved in the killing of Remi Abass. He said:
“We call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in Osun State, strictly within the confines of the Constitution, for the purpose of restoring the rule of law, enforcing court judgments, and protecting innocent citizens.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, responded that the call for a state of emergency is a political move by the APC to destabilize Osun State. He said:
“Osun APC has failed in its evil bid to destabilise and create mayhem in Osun State, hence their resort to an open call for emergency declaration, for which there is no basis or justification.”
