The Commissioner of Police in charge of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, CP Samuel Ebrale Etiafo, has assured residents that the Force is fully prepared to deliver a peaceful, free and credible electoral process across the state.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, CP Etiafo said he had received a clear mandate from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu to ensure adequate security before, during and after the election.
According to him, the directive from the IGP is centred on restoring public confidence, maintaining law and order and guaranteeing a level playing field for all political parties and stakeholders.
CP Etiafo said the police would intensify efforts to sanitize the security environment in preparation for the election to ensure that eligible voters exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
“The mandate given to us is to purify and sanitize the state in preparation for a free and fair election. The purpose is to build confidence among the people because many are apprehensive about the election,” he said.
CP Etiafo also pledged that security agencies deployed for the exercise would work professionally and collaboratively throughout the election period.
“We are ready to welcome all security agencies coming into the state to supervise the election. We will work with them with an open mind and provide the necessary guidance for the successful discharge of their responsibilities,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the police would work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission to guarantee the safety of electoral officials and sensitive materials before, during and after the polls.
“We need to work with INEC to guarantee the safety of its officials and materials throughout the electoral process,” he added.
CP Etiafo warned politicians, electoral officials and security personnel against engaging in acts capable of compromising the integrity of the election, stressing that anyone found violating the law would be prosecuted.
“I want the people to trust us with this mandate. Anyone who violates the law will be dealt with accordingly. This is a federal election, and we will ensure that the rules are strictly enforced,” he said.
Speaking on recent security concerns in the state, CP Etiafo assured residents that the police had taken proactive measures to forestall violence and maintain public order.
He noted that officers deployed for election duty had been adequately briefed and that additional personnel, including tactical units and personnel from the Police Mobile Force, would complement existing security arrangements.
CP Etiafo appealed to residents to remain peaceful, cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities, assuring them that the police would remain impartial and committed to protecting lives, property and the sanctity of the electoral process.
Advertisement