Nathaniel Oduyemi Condemns Pre-election Violence in Osun State

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences is that Nathaniel Oduyemi, a senatorial aspirant for Osun Central Senatorial District, has condemned pre-election violence in parts of Osun State.

Nathaniel Oduyemi is a senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and has been vocal about his commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics.

The senatorial aspirant issued a statement on Saturday, saying he was deeply pained by videos circulating on social media showing alleged political thugs attacking people, destroying property and causing residents to flee for safety.

"I have watched with deep pain and concern the disturbing events unfolding across parts of Osun State ahead of the forthcoming elections. The horrifying videos circulating on social media, showing vehicles allegedly conveying political thugs, violent attacks, destruction of property and innocent citizens running for safety, have left me heartbroken," Oduyemi said.

Oduyemi called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly and impartially to prevent the situation from escalating.

"The situation must not be allowed to deteriorate beyond control. Those responsible for sponsoring or carrying out acts of violence must be identified, shamed and brought to justice. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done," he said.

He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore peace in the state.

And, according to Oduyemi, the recruitment of young people as political thugs is unacceptable and has the potential to cause untold harm to the state's youths.

"Our youths deserve much better than being recruited as political thugs. They possess enormous talents, intelligence and creativity that should be harnessed for the development of our state and our nation," he stated.

Oduyemi reiterated his commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics, saying he would not embrace violence in pursuit of political office.

He also called on parents, guardians, religious leaders and traditional rulers to discourage young people from allowing themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble.

The senatorial aspirant pledged that, if elected to represent Osun Central Senatorial District, he would champion policies to empower youths through quality education, skills acquisition, enterprise development and job creation.

He concluded by praying for peace and urging all stakeholders to work towards preserving democracy in the state.

"May wisdom prevail over anger, dialogue over violence, and peace over conflict. Together, let us preserve the sanctity of our democracy and build an Osun State where every citizen can live without fear," he said.

"Every act of political violence, intimidation and lawlessness allegedly perpetrated by individuals associated with any political party, must be condemned and stopped," Oduyemi said.

Oduyemi expressed concern over the way some politicians are recruiting young people as political thugs, saying this is unacceptable.

"If investigations nail any political leader to these unrest, I will stop at nothing until such is seen behind bars," he declared.

The senatorial aspirant urged young people to reject any invitation to engage in violence, warning that the consequences could last for generations.

"Elections will come and go, but the consequences of violence may remain for generations," he said.