Local Government Issues in Osun: Governor Adeleke Disputes Allegations of Rebuking the Supreme Court
Osun State Governor Denies Criticism of Supreme Court
In a statement issued on Friday, the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has refuted a report published in a national newspaper claiming he criticized the Supreme Court regarding local government matters. The Governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, categorically stated that the publication was false.
At a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) event, the Governor's Information Commissioner, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, was present in the Governor's absence. According to the statement, the Commissioner did not make the remarks attributed to him regarding the Supreme Court.
Instead, the Commissioner urged the NBA to take a more proactive role in defending judges who are subjected to political intimidation. The statement also highlighted a press conference held by certain leaders of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state, where they disparaged the integrity of a High Court judge and falsely accused him of misconduct regarding a case that has not been presented to him. The Commissioner condemned such acts of blackmail and emphasized that the NBA should advocate on behalf of the judges.
The statement emphasized that Governor Adeleke holds the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, in the highest esteem and would never endorse any form of attack or public criticism against these esteemed institutions. The Governor reiterated his confidence in the judiciary, especially concerning the ongoing dispute regarding the Osun local governments involving multiple political parties.
In conclusion, the statement stressed that Governor Adeleke did not rebuke or attack the judiciary or the Supreme Court as published by the newspaper. It was labeled as fake news that should be disregarded by the judicial establishment and the general public. The Governor affirmed his commitment to support and promote rule of law and good governance as the chief executive of Osun state.
[1] Governor Adeleke's office[4] Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) event
- Governor Adeleke's office has disputed a report published by a national newspaper, stating that the Governor did not criticize the Supreme Court during a recent event organised by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state.
- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was urged by Osun State's Information Commissioner, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, to take a more proactive role in defending judges who face political intimidation, following the APC's disparagement of a High Court judge's integrity.
- In light of ongoing war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation debates in Nigeria, it is vital for political parties like the PDP and APC to foster a better understanding of the importance of the judiciary, particularly during elections.
- The Governor's refutation of the newspaper report adds to the general news narrative that political migration within parties, such as Adeleke's move from the PDP to the APC and back, can at times result in intense public scrutiny and misrepresentation of statements or actions.
- The governorship election in Osun state, in particular, has been under the microscope due to numerous policy-and-legislation and migration-related issues that have emerged, making it essential for all political leaders to adhere to principles of good governance and promote transparency in politics.
