Accord Primaries: APC demands justice for murder of Taliat Simbiat
…accuse Adeleke of shielding thugs in Government House
By Ismail Azeez
The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has demanded justice for Mrs. Taliat Simbiat, an indigene of Iwo Local Government Area, who reportedly lost her life during violence related to the outcome of the Accord primaries.
The APC alleged that large-scale violence, injuries, and destruction of property were associated with the factional primaries conducted by the Governor Ademola Adeleke-led faction of the Accord Party in the state.
In a statement released on Sunday, signed by the Head of the Media and Publicity Committee for the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, it was noted that emerging reports from different parts of the state paint a disturbing picture of chaos and bloodshed arising from what should ordinarily have been a peaceful democratic exercise.
According to reports available to the council, several members of the Accord Party and innocent citizens suffered varying degrees of injuries, while lives were reportedly lost as a result of the violence that accompanied the exercise.
“This unfortunate development once again raises serious concerns about the culture of desperation and winner-takes-all politics that has become synonymous with the Adeleke political dynasty,” the statement read.
The APC Campaign Council stated that it has repeatedly drawn public attention to the Adeleke government’s dangerous flirtation and open romance with violent elements and individuals on the Nigeria Police force’s wanted list.
The Council has consistently warned the Osun government against shielding these individuals and normalizing conduct capable of undermining public peace and security.
What unfolded in the aftermath of the Accord factional primaries loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke, in their view, underscores the consequences of associating with and empowering individuals of controversial character.
Particularly troubling are reports from Iwo Local Government Area indicating that Mrs. Taliat Simbiat of Ward 3, Iwo, lost her life during the violence, while no fewer than 30 persons sustained serious injuries.
The APC Campaign Council extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery, emphasizing that it is deeply disturbing for internal political disagreements to escalate to the point of claiming lives.
They stressed that this recurring loss of innocent lives due to political recklessness must no longer be tolerated.
The council urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting all those responsible for the killing of Mrs. Taliat Simbiat and the injuries sustained by numerous citizens.
They insisted that the governor must not play the ostrich this time around, as no individual, regardless of political affiliation or status, should be shielded from justice.
The APC Campaign Council further charged Governor Adeleke to hand over Emir Ajagungbade, Nurudeen Alawonle, and other criminal aides allegedly hiding in the Government House in Okefia to the police.
They asserted that the Okefia Government House should remain a hallowed home for decent government officials, not a fortress for political bandits.
The council however maintained that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount, and the governor must demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace, civility, and democratic values.