August 15: Enforce Non-Partisan Policing, Voters’ Confidence Depends On Neutrality – Adeleke Tells IGP

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to enforce non-partisan policing in the state, saying the confidence of voters ahead of the August 15 governorship election now rests on how the Nigeria Police handles political violence.

The Governor, in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said he reviewed the IGP’s just-concluded fact-finding visit and said residents expect immediate action to ensure impartial law enforcement before, during and after the poll.

Adeleke commended the IGP for the visit and also acknowledged a similar visit by the Deputy Inspector General a week earlier.

He noted that the interactions with political groups and community stakeholders should have made it clear to the police leadership where public concerns lie.

“The facts are out in the public domain. The IGP has heard and read from both parties. My only interest is to safeguard the safety of my people and protection of lives and properties ahead of the elections,” the governor said.

Adeleke asked the IGP to hold officers of the Osun State Command accountable, and specifically called on the Commissioner of Police to avoid partisanship in the investigation and prosecution of cases linked to political violence.

“We expect the IGP to hold his men at the Osun state command accountable. The Commissioner of Police must, as a matter of necessity, be compelled to avoid partisanship in both the investigation and prosecution of cases of political violence. That is the only way the police can secure and regain the confidence of the people,” Adeleke stated.

The governor said Osun people are demanding equal treatment under the law, with arrests and prosecution of anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation. “We seek the arrest of any lawbreaker irrespective of their political affiliation.

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“Those who commit crimes should be arrested and prosecuted. We harbour no thugs in Government House or anywhere. The police should do its job in line with best policing practices. We are opposed to the politicisation of criminal investigations,” he added.

Adeleke noted that the recent killings and attacks have created an atmosphere not conducive to the free exercise of the right to vote and be voted for, and said security is central to a credible election.

“Osun people want a secure environment to cast their votes. The killings and attacks are not conducive to genuine exercise of the right to vote and be voted for. So we expect the IGP and other security agencies to secure Osun state and her people before, during and after the August 15 elections,” he said.

The governor expressed confidence in the IGP’s capacity to implement agreed resolutions from the visit, and pledged the state government’s continued support for security agencies.

“We seek no favour other than fair, impartial policing,” Adeleke said.