The All Progressives Congress APC Governorship Campaign Council in Osun, on Thursday, told Governor Ademola Adeleke to sack the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, who was recently arrested for alleged vote-buying and harbouring a wanted murder suspect.

Describing the defence of his SSG’s arrest as shameful and a disregard for the rule of law, the Council declared that if Adeleke was not promoting violence and criminal enterprise in the state, he should not hesitate to sack Igbalaye and also stop spirited moves to secure the release of Abiodun Oladele Arowomole, popularly known as Abbey Ashipa, arrested alongside Igbalaye.

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the Head, Media and Publicity of APC Governorship Campaign Council, Remi Omowaiye, said it was worrisome that Adeleke, who had allegedly failed to protect the lives and property of the people of Osun, was mounting pressure on the police to free Abbey Ashipa, being wanted for the alleged murders of no fewer than 20 citizens of Osun.

He alleged that “Abbey Ashipa has been allegedly linked to killings of Sheriff Oyewale, Muraina Olayiwola “Montanna”, Waheed ‘My Friend ‘, Tajudeen Rabiu, Ismahil Dudu, Kazeem Oyebamiji (Mosquito) and other supporters of our party.

Omowaiye further said that the APC Governorship Campaign Council was urging the good-spirited citizens to prevail on Adeleke to desist from harbouring these criminals, stressing that such action constitutes a serious assault on the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

He explained that a government that genuinely seeks peace and security should not be seen attempting to obstruct lawful investigations or shield any individual from accountability.

“If Governor Ademola Adeleke is not an enabler and aider of criminality in the state, he should sack immediately Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, the Secretary to the State Government of Osun, in whose home a wanted murderer was arrested yesterday.

“Adeleke should rise above pettiness, lower his desperation for a second term, and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and allow the investigative process to run its course.

“A governor who is genuinely popular would not need the services of terrors such as Emir Ajagungbade, Nurudeen Alawonle, Abbey Ashipa, Solo Iwara, or other Janjaweed to secure electoral victory, “Omowaiye remarked.

He, however, commended men and officers of the Nigeria Police Osun State Command and the Inspector General of Police Special Squad for their professionalism and commitment to rid Osun of criminals and assassins. (The Guardian)