Adeleke Urges IGP Disu to Ensure Fair Policing Ahead of Osun Governorship Election
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to ensure impartial policing and adequate security before, during and after the August 15 governorship election in the state.
The governor made the call while reviewing the Inspector-General’s recent fact-finding visit to Osun, saying residents expect the Nigeria Police Force to implement measures that will guarantee professionalism, fairness and public confidence throughout the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke commended the police chief for the visit, describing it as an opportunity to obtain firsthand information from political parties and other stakeholders on the security situation in the state.
According to the governor, the engagements held during the visit should guide the police leadership in taking decisive steps to ensure non-partisan law enforcement.
“We appreciate the visit of the Inspector-General of Police and that of the Deputy Inspector-General a week earlier. The facts are now in the public domain. The IGP has heard and read from both parties. My only interest is to safeguard the safety of my people and protect lives and property ahead of the elections,” Adeleke said.
He urged the Inspector-General to ensure effective oversight of the Osun State Police Command, insisting that the Commissioner of Police must remain neutral in the investigation and prosecution of political violence.
“We expect the IGP to hold his men at the Osun State Command accountable. The Commissioner of Police must, as a matter of necessity, avoid partisanship in both the investigation and prosecution of cases of political violence. That is the only way the police can secure and regain the confidence of the people,” he said.
The governor also stressed that anyone found violating the law should be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation.
“We seek the arrest of any lawbreaker irrespective of political affiliation. Those who commit crimes should be arrested and prosecuted. We harbour no thugs in Government House or anywhere. The police should do their job in line with best policing practices. We are opposed to the politicisation of criminal investigations,” he added.
Adeleke expressed concern over recent incidents of violence in the state, warning that insecurity could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming election.
“Osun people want a secure environment to cast their votes. The killings and attacks are not conducive to the genuine exercise of the rights to vote and be voted for. We expect the IGP and other security agencies to secure Osun State and its people before, during and after the August 15 election,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies in maintaining peace and order, expressing confidence in the ability of the Inspector-General to implement the resolutions reached during the visit.
“We seek no favour other than fair and impartial policing,” Adeleke stated.