Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, have renewed their war of words over security and policing in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The latest exchange followed the recent fact-finding visit by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to Osun State.
In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said residents deserved impartial policing before, during and after the election, urging the Nigeria Police Force to implement measures that would guarantee fairness and public confidence.
The governor commended the Inspector-General’s visit, describing it as an opportunity for political parties and community stakeholders to present their concerns over the security situation in the state.
According to Adeleke, the discussions during the visit should guide the immediate implementation of agreed measures aimed at ensuring non-partisan law enforcement.
“We appreciate the visit of the Inspector-General of Police and that of the Deputy Inspector-General a week earlier. The facts are out in the public domain. The IGP has heard and read from both parties,” he said.
The governor also urged the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to remain impartial in the investigation and prosecution of political violence cases.
“We seek the arrest of any lawbreaker irrespective of their political affiliation. Those who commit crimes should be arrested and prosecuted. We harbour no thugs in Government House or anywhere,” Adeleke stated.
He further called on security agencies to provide a peaceful environment for voters, noting that killings and violent attacks undermine the democratic process.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies while insisting that the government sought only fair and impartial policing.
Meanwhile, the Osun APC said the Inspector-General’s remarks during the visit validated its earlier allegation that individuals accused of criminal activities were being harboured in the Government House.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party claimed that the IGP directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police to professionally investigate the allegation.
The APC maintained that any police action should not be limited to the Government House if investigations warranted broader action, alleging that suspected political thugs had been shielded from arrest.
The opposition party also criticised comments made by the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, describing his reaction to the Inspector-General’s remarks as “misplaced” and an afterthought.
The APC accused the Adeleke administration of politicising security issues and urged law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into all allegations of political violence in the state.
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