By John Dike, Osogbo
The Nigeria Police Force will deploy about 15,000 personnel, including Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives and other specialized units, to provide security for the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The Commissioner Police in charge of Osun state election CP Samuel Erale Etaifo disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing journalists and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) at the Police Officers’ Mess in Osogbo, assuring residents and political stakeholders that the police would remain neutral, professional and committed to delivering a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
Etaifo said the Inspector-General of Police had given him a clear mandate to restore peace, build public confidence and coordinate security arrangements that would guarantee a conducive atmosphere for the governorship poll.
According to him, he had already paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke to brief him on his assignment and the determination of the police hierarchy to stabilize the state’s security architecture ahead of the election.
“I met the governor and informed him about my mandate in Osun State. The Inspector-General of Police directed me to pacify the state and stabilize the security situation in preparation for a free, fair and credible election,” the commissioner said.
He explained that the early deployment of security personnel was designed to reassure residents and encourage massive voter participation by eliminating fear and intimidation.
“We cannot have a hostile atmosphere and expect to conduct a free and fair election. The early arrival of police personnel is to boost the confidence of the people of Osun State and discourage voter apathy. We want every eligible voter to believe that they can come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear,” he stated.
The police commissioner disclosed that about 15,000 officers would be deployed across the state, including senior police officers from different formations, Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Police Mobile Force personnel and other tactical units, to ensure comprehensive security before, during and after the election.
He said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would provide adequate protection for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), election materials, voters and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process.
Etaifo, emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force would guarantee a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, stressing that professionalism and neutrality would guide the conduct of officers on election duty.
“Our duty is to guarantee a level playing field for every political actor. Gone are the days when the police were alleged to be partisan. Every political party must have equal opportunity to campaign and participate in the election without intimidation or harassment,” he said.
He reiterated that the police remained the lead security agency for the election and would coordinate all security operations to ensure the peaceful conduct of the poll.
The commissioner also issuea stroang warning to politicians, electoral officials and security personnel against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process or compromise its credibility.
“I want to warn all political actors, security personnel and even INEC officials not to manipulate the election. Anyone found violating the Electoral Act or attempting to undermine the credibility of the process will be held accountable,” he warned.
Etaifo further disclosed that because the governorship election is a federal electoral assignment, suspects arrested for serious electoral offences would be transferred out of Osun State for investigation and prosecution.
“This governorship election is a federal election. Anyone arrested for electoral offences will be taken out of Osun State to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution. There will be no room for interference,” he declared.
The police boss warned politicians and their supporters against vote buying, ballot snatching, violence, intimidation and every other form of electoral malpractice, assuring that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation or social status.
He also cautioned police officers deployed for election duty against compromise, misconduct or collusion with politicians, saying the command would not hesitate to sanction any officer found violating professional ethics.
“If you compromise, I, Samuel , will deal with you accordingly and ensure you are sent where you belong. We must uphold the integrity and reputation of the Nigeria Police Force,” he warned.
Etaifo urged residents of Osun State to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities capable of threatening the peaceful conduct of the election.
He assured the people that comprehensive security arrangements had been concluded to ensure that every eligible voter could freely exercise his or her constitutional right on August 15 without fear of intimidation or violence.
The meeting formed part of the Osun State Police Command’s final preparations for the governorship election and was attended by Divisional Police Officers from across the state, senior police officers and journalists covering security and political affairs.
