By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

In a bid to ensure neutrality of security agencies in the conduct of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has deployed CP Election, Mr Erale Samuel Etaifo, to the State to oversee the security architecture for the election.

A statement issued by the Osun Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Friday, stated that CP Etaifo will coordinate election security operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty, and all extant laws guiding the electoral process.

The statement further warned political actors, their supporters, and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from acts capable of undermining public order.

It reads partly, “The Osun State Police Command assures members of the public that adequate security measures have been emplaced across the State to protect lives, property, and critical electoral materials before, during, and after the election. All officers and men deployed for election duty have been directed to remain impartial, professional, and respectful of the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.

“Electoral violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, the spread of misinformation, and any other form of criminality will be met with the full weight of the law. The command urges residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency channels.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and ensuring that the will of the people prevails through a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process”.