IGP deploys CP Etaifo to coordinate security for Osun governorship election

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Commissioner of Police (Elections), Erale Samuel Etaifo, to Osun State to coordinate the security architecture for the Aug. 15 governorship election.

The Osun State Police Command, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the deployment reflects the Inspector-General’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism and the conduct of a free, fair and credible election.

“The deployment highlights the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful, transparent and secure atmosphere while guaranteeing the safety of voters, electoral officials, election observers, media practitioners and all law-abiding residents of the state,” the statement said.

According to the statement, CP Etaifo will coordinate election security operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty and other laws guiding the electoral process.

The police assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place across the state to protect lives, property and sensitive electoral materials before, during and after the election.

It said officers and personnel deployed for election duty had been directed to remain impartial, professional and respectful of the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

The command warned political parties, their supporters and other stakeholders against engaging in acts capable of disrupting public order, stressing that electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, the spread of misinformation and other criminal activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

It urged residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency channels.