Police Appoints New Commissioner for Osun Election Security

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has sent Erale Samuel Etaifo to Osun State as the new Commissioner of Police. He will oversee security for the upcoming governorship election.

This announcement came in a statement signed by the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, and was released in Osogbo on Friday.

Ojelabi mentioned that this move supports the IGP’s promise to keep the elections neutral, professional, and fair.

The police spokesperson also said this deployment shows that the Nigeria Police Force is ready to ensure the election happens peacefully. They aim to create a secure environment for voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists, and all law-abiding citizens in the state.

Etaifo’s Role in the Election

Ojelabi explained Etaifo’s duties during this time. The CP will lead security operations for the election. He will work with other security agencies and important groups to follow the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty, and other laws that guide the electoral process.

The statement included, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Rilwan Olatunji Disu, PSC(+), NPM, in line with his unwavering commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, has deployed CP Election, CP Erale Samuel Etaifo, to Osun State to oversee the security architecture for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.”

“The Osun State Police Command assures members of the public that adequate security measures have been emplaced across the State to protect lives, property, and critical electoral materials before, during, and after the election.”

The police command urged all officers on election duty to be impartial, professional, and respectful of every citizen's rights, no matter their political beliefs.

Warning to Political Actors

The spokesperson also warned political leaders, their supporters, and others involved to behave peacefully. He asked them to avoid actions that could disturb public order.

He stated that any forms of electoral violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, spreading false information, or other crimes will face serious legal consequences.

He encouraged the people in Osun State to follow the law, work with security agencies, and report any suspicious activities using the command's emergency contact numbers.

The people of Osun State will vote on Saturday, August 15, to choose a governor. There are 14 candidates in the race, including the current governor.