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Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CCSG) in Ogun State equivocally condemns the reported threat to the life of Mr. Ladi Adebutu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 18, 2023 governorship election in Ogun State.
Mr. Adebutu who is currently challenging the outcome of 2023 governorship election at the Tribunal is reported to have fled the country following credible information about an orchestrated plot to silence him and frustrate his determination to reclaim the mandate of the electorate in Ogun State.
CCSG is worried about the unwholesome development and therefore demand urgent and decisive action be taken by the relevant authorities across security agencies to restore Mr. Adebutus security details and reassure him and the supporters of their safety within and outside Ogun State.
The outrightly withdrawal of Mr. Adebutus security aides by the DSS and reduction of the number of personnel attached to him by the police raise serious concerns. It is alarming that security details of leading political actor could be withdrawn unmindful of the overriding implication for the safety and security of Mr. Adebutu, his family and political associates
CCSG is indeed alarmed by the outcry of Mr. Adebutu and therefore calls on the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security agencies to investigate the alleged threat which signposts a more perilous dimension to the already political situation in Ogun State. CCGS is not unmindful of the tense political atmosphere that heralded the 2023 governorship election in Ogun State and therefore alarmed by the rather inconsiderate disruption in the security plan of Mr. Adebutu. CCSG is concerned that the action of security agencies is capable of exposing him to jeopardy. T
The withdrawal of Mr. Adebutu security personnel by the DSS is more worrisome considering that hes currently challenging the outcome of the election as provided for by the Electoral Act and the Constitution.
With the controversies surrounding the results of the governorship election across Ogun state and announcement of the incumbent Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun as winner of the election, there should be no denying that the political situation in Ogun State remains precarious and therefore require greater vigilance from security agencies. CCSG is therefore strongly of the view that Mr. Adebutu as a leading actor in the yet to be finally decided governorship contest deserves maximum protection rather than being unduly exposed to likelihood of danger from any quarters.
While it has become a matter of utmost imperative to investigate the alleged threats to Mr. Adebutus life, CCSG in Ogun State demands full restoration of security details without further delay. CCSG demands that the IGP and Director General of DSS should immediately engage Mr. Adebutu in meaningful discussions bordering on his concerns about the state of security in Ogun State.
CCSG therefore expressly and unreservedly warns that nothing untoward should happen to Mr. Adebutu and any of his lieutenants or supporters so as not to plunge Ogun State into enclave of needless fears and uncertainly. To this extent, the urgent intervention of the IGP and the DG of the DSS is necessary to reassure Mr. Adebutu and his supporters of their safety within and outside Ogun State.
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