Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has asked security agencies to step up protection before, during and after the August 15 governorship election, and to arrest anyone involved in political violence no matter their party.
Speaking on Monday after a review of the Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu’s recent visit to the state, Adeleke said residents expect policing that is fair and free of partisanship. The statement was issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
The governor said the IGP’s fact-finding visit, and an earlier visit by Deputy Inspector General Adegoke Fayoade, gave security authorities enough information to act on concerns raised by parties and other stakeholders.
“We appreciate the visit of the Inspector General of Police and that of the Deputy Inspector General a week earlier,” Adeleke said. “The facts are out in the public domain. The IGP has heard from both parties. My only interest is to safeguard the safety of my people and protection of lives and properties ahead of the elections.”
Adeleke urged the police leadership to hold the Osun State Command accountable. He said the Commissioner of Police must avoid bias in investigating and prosecuting cases of political violence if public trust is to be restored.
“We seek the arrest of any law breaker irrespective of their political affiliation,” he said. “Those who commit crimes should be arrested and prosecuted. We harbour no thugs in Government House or anywhere. The police should do its job in line with best policing practices. We are opposed to politicisation of criminal investigations.”
He warned that insecurity and attacks could damage the credibility of the election. “Osun people want a secured environment to cast their votes. The killings and attacks are not conducive to genuine exercise of rights to vote and be voted for,” the governor added. “So we expect the IGP and other security agencies to secure Osun state and her people before, during and after the August 15 elections.”
Adeleke said his administration will continue to support security agencies and is asking only for “fair, impartial policing.”
During the visit, IGP Disu acknowledged complaints about the performance of the Osun Commissioner of Police and allegations that some suspects were taking refuge in Government House.
“He too has briefed me that some suspects he is looking for are hibernating in the government house,” Disu said. “If that is true, why should criminals be in the government house? I have told him that if that’s true, he has a way of going about it.”
Adeleke denied the claim that criminals were being sheltered in Government House.
The state has seen rising tension ahead of the poll, including reported killings and destruction of property.
