SA Security, Bibire Warns Politicians, Supporters Against Campaign Violence, False Claims

The Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire, has issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters to steer clear of violence, intimidation, and the deliberate dissemination of misinformation that might set the state on a tinderbox during political campaigns.

He noted that anyone who chooses to beat the drums of discord or test the resolve of security agencies will have themselves to blame for the consequences of their actions.

This development comes against the backdrop of recent disturbances to the peace in Oyo State, particularly incidents of political violence that risk undermining public order and plunging the state into an avoidable cycle of political hostilities.

Bibire, in a statement made available to Polity Reporters, maintained that Oyo State, having enjoyed considerable peace, would not fold its arms and watch anyone jeopardize the safety of its residents under the guise of political activities, warning in unequivocal terms that anyone who chooses to test the resolve of the state will be made to face the full weight of the law.

He therefore charged political actors to play by the rules, conduct their campaigns within the bounds of civility, accord their opponents the respect they deserve, and resist the temptation to resort to mudslinging, inflammatory rhetoric, or the peddling of falsehoods in a bid to gain political mileage or mislead the unsuspecting public.

The security adviser further stressed that political differences must not be allowed to degenerate into bloodshed, sow seeds of discord among residents or set communities across Oyo State at loggerheads, insisting that the pursuit of political interests must never come at the expense of public peace and social cohesion.

He equally warned youths against allowing themselves to be used as willing tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians to unleash mayhem on opponents, disrupt campaign activities, or engage in other unlawful acts, reiterating that no political ambition is worth mortgaging their future or throwing their lives into jeopardy through criminal conduct.

Bibire charged security personnel and other uniformed officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, remain firmly within the confines of the law, and discharge their constitutional responsibilities with impartiality, warning against political partisanship, the abuse of authority, or any form of intimidation.

He also called on residents to remain law-abiding, exercise due diligence before circulating information, and promptly alert the appropriate authorities to threats, acts of violence, or suspicious movements, urging them to make judicious use of the 615 emergency line to nip potential security breaches in the bud.

The retired US Navy veteran warned that no individual would be allowed to hide under the cloak of political affiliation to perpetrate criminal acts, maintaining that anyone who runs afoul of the law would be held accountable, irrespective of political allegiance, social standing, or the candidate they support.

Bibire ended, “The peace Oyo State enjoys must not be taken for granted, hence, politicians, our youths, security agencies, and the general public must ensure they close ranks in safeguarding the state against any descent into political turmoil before, during and after campaign activities.”

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