The Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Olatunji Disu, has deployed Commissioner of Police (CP) Samuel Etaifo to Osun to oversee the security architecture for the forthcoming August 15 governorship election.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Osogbo by DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Osun.
Ojelabi said the deployment was the unwavering commitment of the I-G to neutrality, professionalism, and the conduct of free, fair, and credible election in the state
According to him, the deployment underscores the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and secure atmosphere.
“It is also to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, election observers, media practitioners and all law-abiding residents of the state,” he said.
The PPRO said Etaifo would coordinate the election’s security operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
According to him, this is to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for security personnel on electoral duty, and all extant laws guiding the electoral process.
“The Police Command in Osun assures members of the public that adequate security measures have been emplaced across the state to protect lives, property, and critical electoral materials before, during, and after the election.
“All officers and men deployed for election duty have been directed to remain impartial, professional and be respectful of the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.
“The command warns political actors, their supporters, and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from acts capable of undermining public order.
“Electoral violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, the spread of misinformation, and any other form of criminality will be met with the full weight of the law,” Ojelabi said.
The PPRO urged residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities through the command’s emergency channels.
