Table of Contents
- Call for Action
- Allegations of Misrepresentation
- Coordinated Plans to Attack
- Comments on the Judgment
- Supreme Court Ruling Details
- Questioning Claims of Victory
- Caution to the Governor
- Call for Lawfulness
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu to admonish Governor Ademola Adeleke and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding alleged attempts to misinterpret Friday’s Supreme Court ruling on local government allocations, which they claim could incite violence.
In a statement released on Sunday by Tajudeen Lawal, the state chairman of Osun APC, the party accused the state government of intentionally misrepresenting the ruling that dismissed the suit filed by the Osun Attorney-General against the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The APC asserted that Governor Adeleke, state PDP chairman Sunday Bisi, and Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi have been misleading the public about the court's verdict.
The statement indicated that PDP leaders had “developed coordinated plans to attack APC members across local councils following the court ruling.”
It was alleged that “five of its members were assaulted at Otan-Aiyegbaju in Boluwaduro local government area by suspected thugs led by one Felix Falola, also known as Agba, shortly after the judgment was announced.”
The APC expressed surprise at the remarks made by Commissioner Alimi during a radio program in Osogbo, accusing him of distorting the judgment and inciting unrest.
The APC stated, “providing specifics of the ruling, the Supreme Court determined on December 5 that statutory allocations must be directly disbursed to local government councils.
“The court confirmed that each level of government is autonomous and that local governments have exclusive authority over their finances.”
The party further quoted the judgment as stating that “the Osun Attorney-General did not have the standing to file the case, as there was no dispute between the state and the federal government, and only local governments could sue regarding their finances.”
The statement highlighted that “the Supreme Court dismissed the case as incompetent, with the lead judgment delivered by Justice Muhammed Idris and supported by six other justices, while Justice Emmanuel Agim dissented.”
The APC questioned the state government’s claims of victory, asking, “How can a case be deemed incompetent and dismissed, yet the individual claims victory?”
The party also challenged alleged statements by PDP leaders regarding sit-at-home chairmen and councillors, asserting that the court did not make such a declaration.
“We are urging Governor Adeleke to refrain from any actions or inactions that could disrupt public peace,” the statement concluded.
The party called on its supporters to remain law-abiding and uphold the rule of law as political tensions persist in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Supreme Court ruling about?
The Supreme Court ruled that statutory allocations must be paid directly to local government councils, affirming their autonomy and exclusive control over their funds.
What allegations did the APC make against the PDP?
The APC alleged that the PDP was misrepresenting the Supreme Court ruling and had coordinated plans to attack APC members following the judgment.
What did the APC urge the Governor to do?
The APC urged Governor Adeleke to avoid any actions that could disturb public peace and to ensure lawfulness amid rising political tensions.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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