Osun poll: Ex-lawmaker tells police to deal with troublemakers impartially

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency, has urged the police to maintain neutrality and act decisively against troublemakers during the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

Oyintiloye emphasized that the Commissioner of Police deployed for the election, Mr. Samuel Etaifo, should collaborate with other security agencies to ensure a violence-free poll. He stressed the importance of police neutrality and professionalism, noting the existing tension surrounding the election and the need to protect voters and safeguard ballot integrity.

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The protection of the electorate before, during, and after the election should be the major priority of the police. I want to appeal to the Commissioner of Police deployed for the election to ensure adequate protection of the electorate at all stages of the electoral process.

"The protection of the electorate before, during, and after the election should be the major priority of the police," Oyintiloye stated. He appealed to the Commissioner to ensure adequate protection for voters throughout the electoral process, adding that a credible election requires a peaceful environment. "Police and other security agencies must not spare anyone caught fomenting trouble, regardless of status," he asserted.

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A credible election can only take place in a peaceful environment. That is why we are urging security agencies, particularly the police, to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

The former lawmaker also appealed to political actors, particularly from opposition parties, to shun violence, viewing elections as a contest rather than a conflict. He encouraged the public to cooperate with security operatives to ensure safety. Oyintiloye expressed confidence in the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as a competent and visionary leader poised to accelerate development and improve residents' welfare.

The election, scheduled for August 15, will feature candidates from 14 political parties. Oyintiloye reiterated that the state should not become a theater of violence due to the election.

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Elections will come and go, but the state and its people will remain. Police and other security agencies must not spare anyone caught fomenting trouble, regardless of status.