Adeleke, IGP Disu Seek End to Political Violence, Back Arrest of Thugs in Osun
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Tunji Disu, on Friday resolved to strengthen efforts to curb political violence in the state, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of political thugs and their sponsors, regardless of political affiliation.
The resolution was reached during a meeting at the Government House, Osogbo, where both leaders discussed the security situation in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking during the meeting, the IGP said his visit was aimed at restoring peace and preventing further violence, assuring residents that the Nigeria Police Force would act decisively against anyone found threatening public peace.
“This is an election, not a war,” Disu said, adding that he had directed police officers to immediately arrest and prosecute anyone involved in political violence.
According to him, the police had received several reports of allegations and counter-allegations from opposing political groups, stressing that all complaints would be investigated without fear or favour.
He also appealed to parents to discourage their children from participating in political violence and warned politicians against sponsoring thuggery, assuring that the police would remain neutral in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Responding, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful elections, declaring that no one, including members of his family or political party, should be protected if found culpable.
“If my son or any member of my political party is involved in killings and gun attacks in Osun, the police should arrest him. We don’t support or harbour violence,” the governor said.
Adeleke commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police for their intervention in the state’s security situation, saying it had helped avert further bloodshed.
“We deeply appreciate the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police. The intervention saved Osun from bloodshed. We have insurgents and bandits to battle; we should not dissipate energy on fighting ourselves,” he said.
The governor stressed the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process, noting that the conduct of the election would attract both national and international attention.
“We should be careful about our electoral process. The international community is watching Osun and Nigeria. We cannot afford to project chaos and conflict. People need a free and fair atmosphere for credible elections. Voting is not war,” he added.
Adeleke, however, alleged that the Osun State Commissioner of Police had become “a tool of APC propaganda” and accused him of spreading falsehood, urging the Inspector-General to caution the state police command against partisanship.
“I ask you to caution the police command to avoid partisanship. The police must ensure fair policing. This is the minimum condition for the stability of our democracy,” he said.
The governor also called for the reorganisation of the police anti-cultism and anti-violent crime units, alleging that they had become partisan and were working with the court-sacked local government chairmen.
He further expressed concern over unresolved murder cases, repeated gun attacks and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the state, urging the police to intensify efforts to address the situation.
“I demand genuine commitment and non-partisan roles for the commissioner of police. A compromised commissioner of police can be moved out,” Adeleke said.
“We seek no favour other than equitable policing. Osun demands free and fair elections. We again commend the IGP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We know neither you nor the President is aware of the political crimes being committed here in Osun.”
The governor urged the police leadership to sustain impartial policing, expressing confidence that a transparent security approach would guarantee peaceful and credible elections in the state.