The Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, CP Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians and their supporters against making inflammatory statements capable of inciting violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Etaifo gave the warning following the invitation of the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, over alleged inciting comments made against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the commissioner urged political leaders and public office holders to exercise restraint and promote peace as the state approaches the election.
The commissioner said political actors must avoid comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements for the poll.
“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election,” he said.
Etaifo reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic values, stressing that the police would not tolerate any act, utterance or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace or threatening the security of the state.
According to him, Senator Fadahunsi was invited to provide clarification on the alleged statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security.
The police commissioner stressed that the invitation should not be interpreted as intimidation, but as part of proactive measures to prevent the escalation of tensions ahead of the election.
He further called on political parties, candidates, their supporters and members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and channel their grievances through lawful means.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, with security agencies under increasing pressure to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process.
