With just weeks to the Osun State governorship election, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed Commissioner of Police Erale Samuel Etaifo to the state to coordinate security operations before, during and after the poll.
The deployment was announced on Friday, July 31, in a statement issued by the Osun State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi.
According to the statement, the move reflects the Inspector-General’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.
Ojelabi said Etaifo would supervise the state’s security architecture throughout the election period and work closely with other security agencies and key stakeholders to maintain law and order.
He explained that the new commissioner would ensure compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty and other laws governing elections.
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The statement read in part: “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 police also cautioned politicians, their supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting the election.
Ojelabi warned that electoral offences such as violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, the spread of false information and other criminal activities would be dealt with decisively.
He appealed to residents to remain peaceful, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency channels.
Osun voters are expected to elect a governor on Saturday, August 15. Fourteen candidates, including the incumbent governor, will contest the election.