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By Christopher Oji
The Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) has commended the Inspector-General of Police(IGP) Olatunji Disu, and the leadership and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism and commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible and violence-free governorship election in Osun State.
The commendation came against the backdrop of heightened political tension and widespread apprehension ahead of the election.
In a statement signed by its President, Lekan Olabulo, CRAN said the ability of the police and other security agencies to maintain law and order, protect citizens and safeguard the electoral process despite the challenging environment was highly commendable.
The association particularly praised the strategic deployment of security personnel, proactive management of potential flashpoints, as well as the discipline and restraint displayed by officers deployed for the election.
“Through intelligence-led policing and effective management of identified hotspots, the Force successfully deterred potential threats and prevented situations from escalating into violence.
“The discipline exhibited by officers demonstrated that a firm but fair approach, rather than brute force, remains the bedrock of effective electoral security,” the statement said.
CRAN said as an association of journalists covering crime, security and related matters, it recognised peaceful elections as fundamental to the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the association, the Osun election underscored the importance of meticulous security planning, intelligence-led policing and respect for citizens’ rights before, during and after elections.
The association, therefore, urged the Nigeria Police Force to sustain the standard in future elections and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, electoral bodies, political stakeholders, civil society organisations and the media.
It also called on political actors and their supporters to reciprocate the professionalism of the security agencies by embracing peace, respecting electoral processes and refraining from inflammatory statements or actions capable of threatening public order.
CRAN maintained that the success of any election should not be measured solely by the conduct of the polls, but also by the ability of all stakeholders to protect lives, uphold the rule of law and preserve peace.
“The experience in Osun State should therefore serve as a benchmark for future elections, demonstrating that effective security planning, professionalism, restraint and cooperation among stakeholders can create an environment in which citizens freely exercise their democratic rights without fear,” the association said.
CRAN urged the police and other security agencies to build on the achievement by sustaining the momentum, reviewing lessons from the Osun election and continuously improving their strategies for securing Nigeria’s democratic processes.
