I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the leadership of Oyo state ALGON, All chairmen and Councilors and our dear party APC for this well deserved victory just pronounced in the Supreme Court judgement this morning.
The judgement today by the supreme court has vindicated us all and has also validated you as duly elected representatives of the people. I thank you for towing the path of law and justice and for eschewing violence in the face of provocation during this period.
The judgement has also shown that the two years struggle against your unlawful dismisal is a just cause. This is a victory for the rule of law, a victory for democracy and a victory for all our people at the local level who have suffered immensely due to this abuse of power by the State Government.
The implication of today’s judgement is far reaching and an important lesson for the Government of the day in Oyo state.
Firstly, development at the local level has been stifled due to this unncessary dismisal and disregard for the rule law in the last two years. The people of the state, most importantly the ones in rural areas have been left to bear the brunt of the ill thought out decision and reckless abuse of power by the PDP government.
Secondly, in this current economic climate with paucity of funds, the Government will now have to pay duplicate salaries as instructed by the supreme court. This must be fully paid to the chairmen and councilors without delay as expressly instructed bybthe Supreme court. It is however important that all well meaning indigenes and residents of the state call on the government to immediately request for the refund of salaries paid to the current usurpers back to the coffers of government, because it is not only illegal but also fraudulent as deduced from the judgement of the supreme court.
Thirdly, now that the case is over and judgement has been given, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commision (OYSIEC) should desist from going ahead with the scheduled May 22nd local government elections and consider a postponement, in order to give APC candidates ample time to register, prepare and participate in the elections as this was practically impossible whilst the court case was ongoing. This is not only fair and logical but necessary to avert possible litigations and rancour that may stem from continuation with the announced election timeline by OYSIEC.
In a democractic settings like ours, a level playing ground must be ensured by unbias umpire for any election. This will help prevent future litigations and further hardships for the people.
Adebayo A. Adelabu FCA, FCIB
