Osun, Ekiti Elections: ODC Advises Politicians To Avoid Inflammatory Statement
As elections in Osun and Ekiti states draw nearer, OODUA DEMOCRATIC COALITION (ODC), has advised all political parties that are participating in the June 21 and August 9 Governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states respectively to play the game according to the rule by desisting from inflammatory statements that can encourage violence, thuggery and every other act that could be subversive to the peace of their states.
The Coalition, which is a pan Yoruba Movement made this advise at a press conference of the organisation held at the Leisure Spring Hotels, Osogbo the capital of Osun State on Thursday.
In a statement read by the Coalition Chairman, Tunde Adetuberu , it implored the electorate to fully participate in the electoral process irrespective of class or status and conduct themselves in the most peaceful manner remembering that their vote is their only tool to effect change.
“They must also insist that their vote counts, by protecting their mandates through every legal means necessary. Intruders should not be entertained in any way.
“We also implore security agencies to be up and doing and bring to book all violators of electoral process. Nobody should hide behind electoral process to unleash violence on the people.” ODC said.
Adetuberu said, “Oodua Democratic Coalition is a pan-Yoruba Movement, established mainly to defend and protect the interest of the Yoruba nation. It is also a coalition of civil and human right groups with a particular interest in social justice, advocacy, defense of human right, political development and policy analysis with emphasis on the region.”
According to him, the coalition as an advocacy group will soon embark on enlightenment campaign within the region with a view to encourage the entire citizenry to participate in the electoral process that will give birth to credible leadership in Ekiti and OsunState respectively.
This campaign, the coalition said will translate to same in the entire South West region towards the next general elections.
“Towards this end, we proclaim the following:
“That the coalition is opened to other existing groups and organizations within Osun State that share similar ideas, principles and philosophy for membership.
“The coalition as a pan Yoruba movement warn the political class not to compromise the peace, unity and integrity of the Yoruba nation irrespective of their political affiliation.
“The coalition shall not seize or relent in advocating for change where it is necessary and ensure that dividends of democracy reach the citizenry. Regional integration should also not be limited to political party participation alone, we must ensure that a visible and workable policy is worked upon.
“As a region, one thing we are known for is the TENET of ‘OMOLUABI’. To this end, we enjoin all in the region irrespective of class, religion or political affiliation to be a true Omoluabi.
“We should remember that unadulterated Omoluabi will not lie about age, clan or records, cheat, or have disregard for constituted authorities or powers and neither drag in the mud our traditional culture and institutions.
“We stand for justice, fair play, equity and irrevocably committed to the emancipation of the Yoruba Nation”, Adetuberu concluded.