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Commissioner of Police, Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, said the command is ready for the August 15 governorship election, just as it arrested 15 suspected criminals: “We are ensuring a peaceful, secure and credible governorship election.
“We stakeholders to work together to prevent electoral violence. There must be free, fair and credible election. That is the cornerstone of every democratic society. We are committed to providing a secure environment where every eligible voter can exercise the constitutional right to vote without fear, intimidation. harassment or violence.
“Also, the responsibility of conducting peaceful elections should not be left to the police alone. We are calling for stronger collaborations among INEC, the National Orientation Agency [NOA], security agencies, political parties, candidates, the media, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and the electorate.
“All stakeholders have a responsibility to reject violence, discourage hate speech, prevent the spread of misinformation and uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral process. We will enforce electoral laws, importantly prevent electoral offences, safeguard electoral personnel and materials, safeguard lives and property and respond professionally and promptly to any election-related incident.
“The command has made headway in the fight against kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related crime and other criminal activities.
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit [VCRU] arrested four suspected kidnappers. They rescued a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman from a remote settlement near Wasinmi along the Gbongan-Ife-Ibadan Expressway and recovered N2,217,800 suspected to be paid ransom.
Police arrested suspected armed robber in Osogbo and recovered one AK-47 rifle.
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“A team of Anti-Robbery and Violent Crime Response Unit personnel arrested five suspected hoodlums, armed robbers and political thugs during a National Union Road Transport Workers [NURTW] clash, where a group of hoodlums was shooting sporadically at Oke-Ijebu, Osogbo. Police arrested suspected armed robbers and cultists in Ilesa-Ikirun axis and recovered a dangerous weapon from them.
“Political parties should maintain the existing peace in the state. Parents should advise their wards not to be willing tools in the hands of politicians who might wish to recruit them as thugs.
“The practice of destroying political billboards will no longer be tolerated. Politicians should put a check on their overzealous loyalists and supporters. Let me restate our resolve not to give room for violence before, during and after the elections. Anyone caught disturbing the peace or inciting violence through deeds or otherwise shall be decisively dealt with in accordance with relevant law and statute of the federation.
“I have also warned party leaders to concentrate on telling the people what they intend to do if elected. They should shun mudslinging, hate speeches and fake news. We also appeal to political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, respect opposing views and resolve disputes through lawful and democratic means. Violence has never produced a legitimate mandate it only leaves communities with rejection and unnecessary suffering.
“We urge residents to embrace dialogue, tolerance c, mutual respect and patriotism, and collective efforts would ensure an electoral process that reflects the true will of the people and strengthens Nigeria’s democracy. Officers are to maintain peace and security before, during and after the election. Electoral stakeholders are urged to promote peaceful elections, safeguarding digital rights and tackling misinformation ahead of the poll.
“We have trained and retrained our officers on how to conduct themselves before, during and after the elections. We have told them that they should do all within their power to ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
“Officers have been directed to be professional, firm and courteous in the discharge of their duties and to imbibe community policing. They are also advised on discipline before, during, and after the election. We don’t want any violence or disturbance. Rather, we solicit a peaceful campaign.”
