DARK clouds of violence and intimidation have gathered over Osun State in the run-up to Saturday’s governorship election. Yet Osun people must not surrender to fear or allow violence to rob them of their democratic rights. They must troop out to vote. It is an important civic duty they owe themselves, their children and the future of the state.
Five people were reportedly killed in Ilesa in pre-election violence just six days before the August 15 ballot. An earlier and heavier assault reportedly claimed about 30 lives across the state.
These are grim figures for an exercise in which citizens are supposed to choose their leaders peacefully.
The political rhetoric has also done little to inspire confidence. Statements such as “all is fair in politics” or warnings about a “repeat of the 1983 crisis” carry a dangerously belligerent tone. Democracy cannot survive when political competition is reduced to a brutal contest in which anything goes.
Most disturbing was the reported statement attributed to the 74-year-old sitting senator, Francis Fadahunsi, directing that members of the Accord Party, their wives and children be killed. Following the backlash, Fadahunsi sought to clarify his words, claiming he meant they should be “killed with votes.”
