DON’T TURN YORUBALAND INTO A KILLING FIELD AND VOTER’S CARD INTO A WEAPON OF WAR!!!
*YDV Condemns Political Incitement and Calls for Peaceful Osun Governorship Election.*
The Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) strongly condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the inflammatory statements, threats, intimidation and political rhetoric capable of provoking violence ahead of the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election.
Yorubaland must not be turned into a killing field simply because politicians are competing for political power. A voter’s card is a democratic instrument, not a weapon of war, and no election is worth the blood of a single Yoruba son or daughter.
The Yoruba people are historically known for their enlightenment, civilisation, intellectual tradition and deep respect for human dignity. Our rich cultural heritage must not be twisted into a culture of political barbarism where opponents are threatened, attacked or eliminated simply because of their political affiliations.
Politics, under ideal democratic conditions, should be a contest of ideas, programmes, character and competence not a contest of violence, bloodshed and intimidation. The lives and safety of citizens must never become instruments of political coercion.
YDV is particularly concerned about the consequences of reckless utterances and the fanning of the embers of war by politicians and their supporters. Such rhetoric can create an atmosphere of fear, deepen political divisions, encourage the activities of thugs and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Beyond the immediate loss of lives and destruction of property, political violence has serious implications for the stability and economy of Osun State and the entire South-West. It can disrupt businesses, discourage investment, frighten tourists and visitors away, damage livelihoods, interrupt education and transportation, and create an environment in which criminal elements thrive.
Persistent political instability can also undermine the reputation of the South-West as one of Nigeria’s major economic and commercial hubs.
YDV therefore calls on all political parties, candidates, political leaders and their supporters to immediately desist from inflammatory rhetoric, threats, hate speech and every action capable of triggering violence before, during and after the election.
Political differences must be settled through democratic institutions and lawful processes not through the barrel of a gun, machete, thuggery or assassination.
We equally call on the security agencies to take seriously every threat of political violence, irrespective of the status or political affiliation of the person making it. Anyone who incites, sponsors, finances or participates in electoral violence must be identified, investigated, prosecuted and, where found guilty, punished in accordance with the law. Political connections must never become a shield against justice.
At the same time, YDV cautions against collective punishment. No innocent person should be punished for the sins of the guilty. Security agencies must distinguish between perpetrators and innocent citizens and must operate professionally, impartially and within the bounds of the law.
YDV will continue to monitor developments across Yorubaland and will work with relevant stakeholders to identify and expose individuals and groups whose actions tarnish the enviable image of the Yoruba people and threaten peaceful democratic participation. We will not stand by while a few bad eggs attempt to drag our people into the politics of bloodshed.
The people of Osun State deserve an election in which they can freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation or violence.
Every voter irrespective of party affiliation has the right to cast their ballot and return home safely.
YDV reiterates its unwavering commitment to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Yorubaland.
Let the ballot box decide not the bullet!
Don’t turn Yorubaland into a killing field!
Don’t turn the voter’s card into a weapon of war!
Let democracy, peace and the will of the people prevail!
Signed:
*Debo Adeniran*
Convener,
Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV)
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