“Commission Is Not To Witch-Hunt Or Persecute Anyone” — Adeleke Inaugurates Osun Election Violence Probe, Orders Evidence-Based Findings
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has inaugurated a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged incidents of violence and other unlawful activities surrounding the recent governorship election, insisting that the exercise is not designed to witch-hunt or persecute any individual, political party, candidate, public official or security agency.
The governor said the Commission was established to determine the truth behind reported incidents, identify persons who may have been affected and establish responsibility where credible evidence supports such findings.
Adeleke spoke in Osogbo on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Commission on pre-governorship election violence in the state, alongside a coroner’s inquest into killings recorded in Ikire town.
Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, Adeleke said the Commission was constituted following reports, petitions and public concerns alleging violence, intimidation, assault, destruction of property, unlawful possession or use of weapons, breaches of public peace and other unlawful activities connected with the election period.
“The Commission is not to witch-hunt, not set up to persecute any person, political party, candidate, group, public officer or security agency,” the governor said.
He stressed that citizens must be able to participate freely in elections without fear, intimidation or violence, noting that government has a responsibility to investigate allegations of unlawful conduct whenever they arise.
“Elections are the foundation of democracy. Citizens must be able to participate freely and peacefully in the democratic process without fear, intimidation or violence.
“Where allegations of unlawful conduct arise, government has a duty to ensure that the facts are carefully examined and that justice is pursued in accordance with the law,” he said.
Adeleke described the establishment of the Commission as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to justice, accountability, public order, peace and the rule of law.
He, however, made it clear that the government’s assurance against witch-hunting should not be interpreted as an attempt to shield anyone from accountability.
According to him, where credible evidence establishes wrongdoing, the Commission is expected to make firm, fair and lawful recommendations.
The panel was charged with investigating both the immediate and remote causes of the alleged incidents, identifying individuals or groups involved where evidence permits and determining the identities of persons affected.
It is also expected to examine damage to property and review the roles played by political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders in the events under investigation.
The governor said the work of the Commission should ultimately help the state understand the causes of electoral violence and recommend measures capable of preventing a recurrence.
Adeleke had earlier announced the establishment of the Commission during a state broadcast marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
“Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence. The body will take memoranda from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence,” he said at the time.
“This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future.”
The Commission is therefore expected to receive representations from victims and residents affected by the reported incidents, examine available evidence and make recommendations aimed at strengthening public peace and accountability in Osun State.
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