A fresh political row has erupted between Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over security in the state following the recent fact-finding visit of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Governor Adeleke, in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, called for impartial policing before, during and after the election, urging security agencies to ensure fairness and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The governor commended the Inspector-General’s visit, describing it as an opportunity for political parties and other stakeholders to present their concerns over the security situation in the state.
He expressed hope that the discussions held during the visit would translate into concrete measures that would guarantee non-partisan law enforcement and strengthen public confidence in the police.
“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,” Adeleke said.
The governor also urged the Osun State Commissioner of Police to remain neutral in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving political violence, stressing that anyone found culpable should face the law regardless of political affiliation.
“We seek the arrest of any lawbreaker irrespective of their political affiliation. Those who commit crimes should be arrested and prosecuted. We harbour no thugs in Government House or anywhere,” he stated.
Adeleke further appealed to security agencies to guarantee a peaceful environment that would allow residents to freely exercise their democratic rights, insisting that violence and intimidation have no place in the electoral process.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies while maintaining that the government’s only demand was fair and impartial policing.
However, the Osun APC maintained that the Inspector-General’s remarks during the visit validated its earlier allegations that individuals accused of criminal activities were being protected within the Government House.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the opposition party claimed that the IGP directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to professionally investigate the allegations.
The APC further alleged that police investigations should extend beyond the Government House wherever necessary, insisting that all individuals linked to acts of political violence must be brought to justice.
The party also criticised comments made by the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, describing his reaction to the Inspector-General’s remarks as “misplaced” and an afterthought.
The opposition accused the Adeleke administration of politicising security issues and urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into all allegations of political violence in the state ahead of the governorship election.
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