By John Dike, Osogbo
The Commissioner of Police (Election) in Osun State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has warned politicians and their supporters against any attempt to forcefully take over the affairs of Local Government Areas in the state.
Erale issued the warning on Monday, saying the police would not tolerate any act of self-help or use of force to assume control of public institutions while related matters were still before the courts.
The warning came in the aftermath of the August 15 governorship election, which the police command described as successfully and peacefully concluded.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Commissioner of Police congratulated the people of Osun State on the peaceful conduct of the election and commended political parties, candidates, election officials, security agencies and other stakeholders for their participation in the democratic process.
The command, however, said it had received reports of plans by some individuals or groups to forcibly take over the affairs and premises of some Local Government Areas in the state.
According to the police, such alleged plans were particularly concerning because the matter remained subject to judicial proceedings.
Erale stressed that no individual, political group or association had the authority to resort to self-help or deploy force in an attempt to take control of any Local Government Area or public institution.
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He warned that any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt local government facilities would be regarded as a serious breach of the peace.
The Commissioner said the police would respond decisively to any such action, including the arrest and prosecution of persons found culpable.
The statement quoted him as saying: “No individual, political group, or association has the right to resort to self-help or the use of force to assume control of any Local Government Area or public institution while judicial proceedings are ongoing.
The police chief appealed to all parties involved in the dispute to exercise patience and allow the courts to determine the matter in accordance with the law.
He also called on parents, community and traditional rulers, political leaders, youth leaders and other stakeholders to caution their supporters against actions capable of undermining the peace and security of Osun State.
Erale urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the judicial process should be allowed to run its course without interference.
He assured the people of the state that the police remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and public order.
The latest warning comes against the backdrop of a prolonged dispute over the control and administration of Local Government Areas in Osun State, with competing political interests laying claims to the running of the councils.
The police therefore urged all concerned parties to seek redress through lawful channels and refrain from actions that could trigger confrontation, disrupt public services or threaten the relative peace recorded during the recent governorship election.
