Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for professional and non-partisan policing ahead of the August 15 governorship election, saying the recent visit of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, should translate into concrete actions that will guarantee a peaceful electoral process.
Adeleke made the call in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, following the IGP's fact-finding visit to the state last week.
The governor said the visit afforded the police hierarchy the opportunity to assess the security situation firsthand through engagements with political actors and other stakeholders.
According to him, residents of the state now expect the Nigeria Police Force to implement measures that will ensure fairness, accountability and effective law enforcement before, during and after the governorship election.
"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," the governor said.
Adeleke urged the police leadership to ensure that officers serving in Osun carry out their duties without political bias, particularly in the handling of cases involving political violence.
He stressed that anyone found culpable of violating the law should be arrested and prosecuted regardless of political affiliation.
"We expect the IGP to hold his men at the Osun State Command accountable. The Commissioner of Police must avoid partisanship in the investigation and prosecution of political violence cases. That is the only way the police can regain the confidence of the people," he stated.
The governor maintained that his administration does not shield criminals and reiterated its opposition to the politicisation of criminal investigations.
He noted that the recurring incidents of attacks and killings in the state pose a threat to the conduct of a credible election and called on security agencies to guarantee the safety of residents throughout the electoral process.
According to him, Osun people deserve a peaceful atmosphere in which they can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.
Adeleke also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies in maintaining law and order, expressing confidence that the Inspector-General of Police would ensure the implementation of the resolutions reached during his visit.
He added that the state government was seeking nothing beyond fair, professional and impartial policing as preparations for the governorship election gather momentum.
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