Osun poll: Deal with troublemakers, ex-lawmaker tells police

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A former lawmaker who represented Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on the police to remain neutral during the forthcoming Osun State governorship election and deal decisively with anyone who attempts to cause trouble, irrespective of status.

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This was contained in a statement signed by the former lawmaker and obtained in Osogbo on Sunday.

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Oyintiloye said the Commissioner of Police deployed for the election, Mr Samuel Etaifo, should work with other security agencies to ensure a violence-free poll.

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He urged the police to be neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties, particularly on election day, noting that the poll was already generating tension, hence the need for the police to protect voters and safeguard the integrity of the ballot.

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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.

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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.

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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,” he stated.

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He urged political actors, especially members of opposition parties, to shun violence, saying elections should not be seen as war.

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Appealing to members of the public to cooperate with and support security operatives in their efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property before, during and after the election, the lawmaker challenged the police not to spare anyone who might foment trouble, irrespective of political affiliation.

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He added that the state should not be turned into a theatre of violence because of the election.

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The APC chieftain also expressed optimism that the party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, would emerge victorious in the election.

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He described Oyebamiji as a competent, experienced and visionary leader whose commitment to inclusive governance and people-oriented policies would accelerate development and improve the welfare of all residents of Osun State.

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The electorate in Osun will go to the polls on August 15 to elect a governor in an election in which 14 political parties will field candidates.

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