The Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, CP Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians against violence and inflammatory comments as the state prepares for Saturday’s governorship election.
The warning followed the invitation of the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, over alleged inciteful comments directed at members of the Accord Party in Ilesa on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, CP Etaifo condemned the alleged remarks and urged political actors to exercise restraint at this critical stage of the electoral process.
“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.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values. He stressed 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.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” Ojelabi said.
CP Etaifo clarified that the invitation should not be misconstrued as an act of intimidation, describing it instead as a proactive measure to prevent the escalation of tensions and ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The police commissioner also urged all political actors, their supporters, and members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and channel their grievances through lawful means.
