Osun: My Expectations After IGP Disu’s Visit –  Adeleke

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday outlined his expectations following the visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, to the state last week.

The governor said he expects all security agencies, particularly the police, to ensure impartial and professional policing before, during and after the forthcoming governorship election.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke commended the IGP for the fact-finding visit, stressing that residents of the state now expect the immediate implementation of measures that will guarantee effective, non-partisan law enforcement.

According to the governor, the visit should have provided the IGP with a clearer understanding of the security situation in the state. He added that, having listened to submissions from political parties and other stakeholders, the police chief should ensure that the resolutions reached are promptly implemented.

“We appreciate the visit of the Inspector-General of Police and that of the Deputy Inspector-General a week earlier. The facts are now in the public domain. The IGP has heard and read from both parties. My only interest is to safeguard the safety of my people and protect lives and property ahead of the elections.

“We expect the IGP to hold his men at the Osun State Command accountable. The Commissioner of Police must, as a matter of necessity, be compelled to avoid partisanship in both the investigation and prosecution of cases involving political violence. That is the only way the police can secure and regain the confidence of the people.

“We seek the arrest of any lawbreaker, irrespective of political affiliation. Those who commit crimes should be arrested and prosecuted. We harbour no thugs in Government House or anywhere else. The police should carry out their duties in line with best policing practices. We are opposed to the politicisation of criminal investigations.

“Osun people want a secure environment in which to cast their votes. The killings and attacks are not conducive to the genuine exercise of the rights to vote and be voted for. Therefore, we expect the IGP and other security agencies to secure Osun State and its people before, during and after the August 15 governorship election,” the governor said.

Adeleke expressed confidence in the capacity and commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to implement the resolutions reached during the visit.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, adding that the state government seeks “no favour other than fair and impartial policing.”