The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly supported the decision by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state to suspend transport union activities in public motor parks, citing the need to curb recurring violence and enhance public safety. The move, announced by ALGON Vice Chairman Lanre Balogun, aims to stop extra-judicial killings and restore order in motor parks across Osun State. The APC described the suspension as a necessary and proactive measure by local government authorities to protect lives and property within their jurisdictions.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC emphasized that the directive reflects the commitment of local government chairmen to uphold security and public order. The party stated that the suspension was a justified response to the increasing incidents of violence linked to motor parks, which have become hotspots for criminal activities. According to the APC, it would be irresponsible for local government leaders to remain passive while citizens face unjustifiable attacks.
The APC further accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property. The opposition party alleged that the state government has not taken sufficient action to address the security challenges, particularly in public transport hubs. The party also claimed that some individuals involved in violent acts are being shielded by the state government, with certain transport union officials holding political appointments under the Adeleke administration.
The APC criticized what it described as a pattern of political protection for “dangerous political hoodlums” who allegedly operate from the Osun State Government House. The statement noted that these individuals often launch attacks and then return to government premises to avoid arrest and prosecution. The party stressed that elected local government chairmen must take responsibility for ensuring that public facilities under their control do not become centers of insecurity, regardless of political affiliations.
To defend the legality of ALGON’s directive, the APC referenced Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which grants local government councils the authority to regulate motor parks and promote public order. The party urged critics to review these constitutional provisions before questioning the validity of the suspension. The APC maintained that local governments have the legal and moral duty to act decisively in the face of public safety threats.
As the situation unfolds, the suspension of transport union activities is expected to prompt further discussions on security reforms and the roles of different tiers of government in maintaining peace. The move may also influence how public transport operations are managed in the state in the coming weeks.
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