The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has made a strong accusation. It claims Governor Ademola Adeleke and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders are twisting a recent Supreme Court ruling. This ruling concerned local government allocations. The APC believes this distortion aims to incite violence across the state.
Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, issued a statement on Sunday. He urged top security officials to intervene. Lawal specifically called on Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. He also appealed to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Their help is needed to caution Governor Adeleke.
Allegations of Misinformation and Incitement
The APC expressed deep concern. It stated that Governor Adeleke, State PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi, and Information Commissioner Kolapo Alimi are misinforming the public. They are allegedly distorting the Supreme Court verdict.
The statement further alleged serious plans. It claimed PDP leaders “perfected coordinated plans.” These plans reportedly target APC members. Attacks were expected across various local councils. This was to follow the court ruling.
The party cited an incident in Otan-Aiyegbaju. Five APC members were allegedly attacked there. This occurred in Boluwaduro local government. Suspected thugs led the assault. The leader was identified as Felix Falola, known as Agba. The attack happened shortly after the judgment.
Commissioner Alimi’s comments on an Osogbo radio program were surprising, the APC noted. The party accused him directly. It said he twisted the judgment. It also claimed he was inciting unrest.
Clarifying the Supreme Court’s Verdict
The APC then clarified the Supreme Court’s actual decision. On December 5, the court ruled clearly. Statutory allocations must go directly to local government councils.
The court also affirmed governmental autonomy. Each tier of government is independent, it stated. Local governments have exclusive control over their funds.
The judgment further noted a critical point. The Osun Attorney-General lacked the “locus standi.” This meant he could not institute the case. There was no dispute between the state and federal government. Only local governments could sue regarding their funds.
The Supreme Court struck out the case. It deemed it “incompetent.” Justice Muhammed Idris delivered the lead judgment. Six other justices supported his decision. Justice Emmanuel Agim, however, dissented.
APC Challenges Victory Claims
The APC questioned the state government’s claims of victory. “How can a case be declared incompetent?” the party asked. “How can it be struck out, yet the claimant declares victory?”
The party also challenged PDP leaders’ references. They spoke of “sit-at-home chairmen and councillors.” The APC insisted the court made no such pronouncement.
“We caution Governor Adeleke,” the statement concluded. “He must desist from actions or inactions. Such acts could disturb public peace.”
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