Amanze Chinonye
The Nigeria Police Force has deployed Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale Etaifo as the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Prime Business Africa reports.
The deployment, announced in a statement on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, is part of the Force’s comprehensive election security strategy aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure, free and credible electoral process.
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According to the statement, CP Etaifo will coordinate and supervise election security operations across Osun State, working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard voters, election officials and sensitive electoral materials throughout the exercise.
The Force clarified that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, will remain responsible for routine policing activities in the state while providing the necessary administrative and operational support for election security operations.
The deployment comes against the backdrop of growing political tension in the state, following allegations by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, accusing CP Gotan of abuse of office and intimidation of government officials.
Egbedun alleged that the police commissioner ordered the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, shortly after an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting. According to the Speaker, the SSG was later invited by the State Criminal Investigation Department over allegations that police recovered ₦4 million and two voter cards from members of his political party during a meeting at his residence.
The Speaker also accused the police commissioner of attempting to intimidate him through officers attached to his office and appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene, alleging that some officers were undermining peace and professionalism in the state.
The Osun State Police Command has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
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Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force directed all personnel deployed for election duties to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality and discipline, while strictly complying with the law and the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urged residents, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to remain peaceful, law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a safe, credible and successful governorship election in Osun State.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
