The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has cautioned leaders of the opposition parties in the state against inciting the public to violence over last Friday’s Court of Appeal judgment in Akure, which refused to relist a case by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor also warned radio stations in the state to desist from allowing incitement to violence and constant breach of the national broadcasting codes.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and made available to journalists on Sunday, Adeleke expressed displeasure at the activities of some radio stations, who he said allowed guests to incite the public to violence and also manifest disdain for fair hearing to stakeholders.
He condemned the alleged refusal by the stations involved to caution guests, who reportedly made libellous allegations bordering on sedition against public officials.
He further alleged that the stations also blocked the right to a fair hearing for affected people.
He subsequently directed the Commissioner for Information to summon the General Managers of all affected stations for a briefing before further action would be taken.
While drumming support for freedom of the press, the governor said, “Observance of broadcasting codes is key to responsible broadcast journalism, vowing to impose sanctions on any station that refuses to obey broadcast rules and codes.”
He also warned opposition politicians against the current trends of promoting violence in the wake of the recent pronouncement of the Court of Appeal.
Frowning at claims during a recent interview by some opposition politicians, where they reportedly threatened to take the law into their hands, Adeleke warned that law enforcement agencies will descend heavily on any troublemakers.
He restated commitment of the administration to the rule of law, saying those threatening violence to achieve political goals are enemies of the people.
“We task our people to be law abiding. The local government question is being resolved without any further bloodletting. Those promoting violence will face the law at the right time,” the Governor said.
The Punch
