New Osun CP, Samuel Etaifo
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Erale Samuel Etaifo to Osun State as Commissioner of Police to oversee the security architecture for the forthcoming governorship election.
Etaifo’s deployment was announced in a statement signed by the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, and obtained in Osogbo on Friday.
Ojelabi said the deployment was in line with the IGP’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, professionalism and the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
The police spokesperson added that the deployment also underscored the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful, transparent and secure atmosphere without jeopardising the safety of voters, electoral officials, election observers, media practitioners and all law-abiding residents of the state.
Highlighting Etaifo’s responsibilities during the period of his deployment, Ojelabi said the CP would coordinate election security operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty and all extant laws guiding the electoral process.
The statement read partly, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Rilwan Olatunji Disu, PSC(+), NPM, in line with his unwavering commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, has deployed CP Election, CP Erale Samuel Etaifo, to Osun State to oversee the security architecture for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
“The Osun State Police Command assures members of the public that adequate security measures have been emplaced across the State to protect lives, property, and critical electoral materials before, during, and after the election.
“All officers and men deployed for election duty have been directed to remain impartial, professional, and respectful of the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.”
The command’s spokesperson subsequently warned political actors, their supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from acts capable of undermining public order.
According to him, electoral violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, the spread of misinformation and any other form of criminality will be met with the full weight of the law.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report any suspicious activities through the command’s emergency channels.
The electorate in Osun State will go to the polls on Saturday, August 15, to elect a governor in an election that will feature 14 candidates, including the incumbent.
The Punch
