The Nigeria Police Force has assured residents of Osun State, including the wife of the state Governor, Mrs Titi Adeleke, of adequate security ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Osun State, CP Samuel Etaifo, gave the assurance on Monday while addressing protesters led by Mrs Adeleke at the state police headquarters in Osogbo.
The protesters expressed concern over alleged cases of violence and the arrest of some members of the Accord Party, and called on the police to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for a free, fair and credible election scheduled for August 15.
Mrs Adeleke, who was accompanied by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ayobola Awolowo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Mrs Eniola Omotoso, and other protesters, urged the police to remain neutral before, during and after the election.
Peaceful Environment
Responding, CP Etaifo said the police would look into the complaints and take necessary measures to ensure a peaceful environment for the election.
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He urged the protesters and other political actors to avoid actions capable of escalating tension, stressing that security agencies were committed to creating an enabling environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise.
“As you came out now without getting police permit or clearance, let’s assume the other party also comes out, and both of you accidentally clash what will happen? We are going to go back and re-strategise to attend to all your demands. Why I am discussing with you is because of my respect for women, and we don’t want tension before the election. We want peace. We can not conduct an election in an insecure environment.” The CP stressed.
CP Etaifo said he was acting on the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police to stabilise the state and provide a secure environment for all political actors and voters.
He therefore urged residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities, assuring them that security agencies would work to protect lives and property before, during, and after Saturday’s election.
