ABEOKUTA — The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu has reiterated that high level of political intolerance by government in power is not healthy for Nigeria’s democracy to practice the idea of state police in fighting crime.
Adebutu hinged his submission on the fact that the government in power used the current federal police architecture to witch-hunt opposition parties and their political rivals.
The PDP governorship candidate spoke on Thursday while meeting members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun state council.
The former lawmaker opined that the idea cannot get the desired results in the hands of state governors who are bent on silencing the opposition voices.
“The idea of state Police cannot work in our society today. Can you imagine if we have state Police in the hand of somebody like Gov. Dapo Abiodun.
“In Ofada, during the last elections they started shooting, disenfranchised them, they were not allowed to vote. Is these hoodlums they will recruit and turn to state Police.
“The moment they started inspecting all election materials, all these rubbish were discovered. Now, how do we now have state Police”, he asked
Adebutu, however, praised the bravery efforts of journalists in the state for reporting the excesses of the ruling party at the last general elections, urging the media to perform their watchdog roles in the coming elections.
“I want to commend a section of you that reported the unlawful act of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“He was seen brazenly walking from one polling unit to another on election day and this contravene the electoral act. It is our believe that this will not repeat itself on Saturday”, he said.
Adebutu, therefore, promised a better media relationship with the union if elected, saying that he believes as fourth estate of the realm, members of the profession should be duly accorded recognition.
“I believe if the three aim of government are fully funded, there is nothing stopping the fourth arm, which is the media shouldn’t be funded for optimal productivity.
“I give you my word. If we get to the government, you will have good access to me. At least we can have relationship that will be better for all in the State.
”Also, there is going to be a recognition in all aspects of government. I hereby implore you; let us be partners,” he added
Meanwhile, the Chairman of NUJ in Ogun state, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju appreciated Adebutu for having interaction with his members, while urging him to bridge the gap between the media and the government if elected.
