The Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced strong reservations regarding the recent arrest of Damilare Bello, a sitting member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Sagamu Constituency 1.
Bello, a member of the PDP, was apprehended by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the ongoing investigation into the tragic Sagamu carnage that has reportedly claimed more than 25 lives.
In a statement by Asiwaju Akinloye Bankole, the Ogun State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, he said the PDP does not object to the DSS or any security agency conducting an investigation into the Sagamu incident, they assert that the inquiry lacks professionalism and sincerity. He accuse the ruling government, led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, of sensationalizing the arrest through state-owned media outlets, suggesting it’s an orchestrated attempt to tarnish Bello’s reputation.
According to the statement, "Of particular interest to the PDP is the coincidence that the arrest of the Honorable Member occurred shortly after he returned from London to Abeokuta, where he raised concerns about security matters in his constituency on the floor of the House. The PDP suggests that the Sagamu killings stem from the alleged empowerment of cultists by Governor Abiodun and his All Progressives Congress (APC) party, who were accused of violently rigging the same election contested by Bello".
The PDP calls upon the DSS to rise above partisanship in its duties, emphasizing that it is a legal entity and should not be used as a tool for political witch hunts.
The statement referenced previous incidents involving journalists which included Femi Davies, Daud Olatunji, and Wale Adedayo, expressing concerns about misuse of power.
"As a law-abiding political organization, the PDP commits to cooperating with the DSS and other security agencies to ensure peace and tranquillity in Ogun State"
Urging the DSS to remain impartial, they stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the Sagamu crisis rather than targeting innocent members of their party.
The responsibility, the PDP suggests, lies with Governor Abiodun to investigate within his inner circle, including his appointees, functionaries, party leaders, and friends in Sagamu Local Government, to identify the source of the ongoing issues.
