Osun government, APC disagree over credibility of inquiry panel

The Osun State Government and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) have disagreed over the credibility of a newly inaugurated Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate recent disturbances of public peace in the state.

 

The commission, chaired by retired Justice Adekunle Adeigbe, was inaugurated at the Government House in Osogbo by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi on behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

 

The panel is expected to investigate the causes of the recent security disturbances and recommend measures to restore lasting peace across the state.

 

Representing the governor, Adewusi described the assignment as critical to the state’s stability and urged the commission to discharge its duties diligently, impartially and without fear or favour.

 

He said the panel’s findings should be guided by truth, facts and justice rather than sentiment or external pressure.

 

“The government is committed to peace because without peace, there can be no development. We expect recommendations that will not only address what has happened but also prevent future occurrences across all communities, towns and villages in Osun,” he said.

 

The deputy governor also assured the commission of the government’s full support, including logistics, security and access to relevant agencies and official documents.

 

In his response, Justice Adeigbe thanked the government for the confidence reposed in the commission and pledged to carry out its assignment with fairness, integrity and adherence to the rule of law.

 

“We promise to approach this task with the fear of God, fairness to all parties and commitment to the rule of law. We will listen to all sides. We will follow the evidence wherever it leads. We will not betray this trust,” he said.

 

However, the APC rejected the commission, saying it had no confidence in what it described as a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” set up by a governor seeking re-election.

 

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party argued that although commissions of inquiry are constitutionally recognised, the timing of the panel raised questions about its motive and credibility.

 

The APC alleged that Governor Adeleke had already prejudged the outcome by blaming the opposition for political violence before the conclusion of police investigations, insisting that such actions undermined public confidence in the commission.

 

The party also called on the panel to investigate previous politically related killings involving its members and examine allegations against public officials and individuals accused of making inflammatory statements or being linked to violent activities.

 

It further criticised the composition of the commission, arguing that the process lacked sufficient transparency.

 

The commission’s inauguration comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with both the state government and the opposition pledging commitment to peace while sharply disagreeing over the credibility and purpose of the inquiry panel.