Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan has called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully ahead of the governorship election in the state.
Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders at the State Police Headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday, CP Gotan said all political actors must work collectively to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.
The police commissioner urged political parties and candidates to notify the police and other relevant security agencies before organising rallies, campaigns, processions or political gatherings across the state.
According to him, early notification would enable security agencies to deploy personnel effectively, provide adequate security coverage, manage traffic and prevent clashes during political activities.
“Security agencies can only plan effectively when they are informed in good time. The importance of cooperation between political actors and law enforcement agencies,” he added.
The CP also condemned the destruction, defacement and removal of opponents’ billboards, banners, posters and other campaign materials, describing such actions as unlawful and capable of provoking retaliation and political tension.
“Political competition should be based on ideas, policies and programmes, not on the destruction of property belonging to opponents,” he stated.
The commissioner advised political parties to avoid late-night rallies and campaign activities, noting that such events often pose security challenges, increase the risk of criminal activities and make effective monitoring difficult.
He said all campaign activities, rallies, public engagements and political communications must strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws, adding that no individual or political group is above the law.
Gotan also warned against thuggery, gangsterism and the recruitment or sponsorship of political thugs, saying violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.
He called on political leaders to caution their supporters against acts capable of disrupting public peace and urged them not to provide support or protection to individuals engaged in criminal conduct.
The police commissioner equally warned against hate speech, inflammatory remarks and inciting statements, saying such comments could provoke violence, deepen divisions and undermine the peaceful atmosphere required for a successful election.
He urged all stakeholders to embrace peaceful coexistence before, during and after the poll, adding that the people of Osun State deserve a free, fair, credible and peaceful election.
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