Labour Party(LP) has flayed the Ogun State chapter of People’s Democratic Party over the disruptive protests allegedly commandeered by its governorship candidate, Hon Ladi Adebutu following defeat at the last Saturday’s governorship election in the State
Labour Party in a release by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abayomi Arabambi cautioned PDP and in particular, Hon Adebutu against resorting to actions capable of setting the State on fire because of personal ambition.
LP said the Tuesday invasion of the INEC office by the supporters of Adebutu is a bad step which must be condemned by every well meaning Nigerians.
The opposition party said the protest was a wrong step that could have led to setting Ogun State INEC office on Fire, overthrowing democratic process and democratically elected Administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, if the law enforcement agencies were not on ground to secure the area and prevent hoodlums from hijacking the ill aadvised action..
The Party said, “it took the professional intervention of law enforcement agency to prevent what could have led to serious mayhem as they had to shoot into the air to save guard the INEC office from being vandalised by the rented protesters.
“We have read in the papers how some hoodlums invaded INEC offices in some states and set it on fire, also recently, the Abeokuta South office of INEC was attacked by arsonist, the action of Adebutu and his supporters if not condenmed may degenerate to an alarming situation.
“As a law abiding Party, we call on the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Frank Mba and other security agencies to ensure that they forestall all intentions of PDP to return the State to the dark period as Ogun State is known to be a peaceful State.
“Apart from going on the streets or invading INEC office, PDP should have thread a more humane step of approaching the court if truly they were short-changed
“Though, we knew how Adebutu bought voters on the election day with credit cards and other incentives, he should know that Ogun State residents are intelligent who can not trade their future with any morsel of porridge, and in spite of his so many dubious way of getting to power at all cost, and the rejection that followed, it’s amazing that such a corrupt individual is still complaining of been short-changed.
LP, however, warned against violent protest, citing the current challenges and the fact that the polity is tensed up already.
“LP implore Adebutu and his co-travellers as an obligatory duty to go to the election tribunal establish to the supremacy of law and to teach our younger generation the value of resolving disputes through legal means rather than violence.
“The polity is already very tense, and we call on law enforcement agencies to call Adebutu and his supporters to order so that we can continue to enjoy the peace the State is known for.
“Adebutu should take a more refine way of setling mater’s by approaching tribunal and allow the entire litigation process run its course.
“Fortunately, that is the only step in seeking legitimacy rather than street protests.
