By Olajide Idowu
The Commissioner of Police for Saturday’s governorship election in Osun, Mr Samuel Etaifo, has invited Sen. Francis Fadahunsi (APC-Osun East) to provide clarification on an alleged inciting statement contained in a viral video.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Fadahunsi, in the viral video, while speaking with members of his party, was allegedly heard instructing that members of the Accord Party should not be allowed to vote in Ijesaland.
He was also allegedly heard saying that those identified as Accord Party members should be killed.
The Commissioner of Police condemned the alleged statement, saying it had generated concerns among stakeholders and members of the public.
Etaifo said that at this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders were expected to exercise restraint.
He said political actors were expected to promote peace and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements for the forthcoming election.
Etaifo reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic values.
He emphasised 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 CP has invited Sen. Francis Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” Ojelabi quoted Etaifo as saying.
The Commissioner of Police, however, said the invitation should not be misconstrued as an act of intimidation, but as part of proactive measures aimed at preventing the escalation of tensions and ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election in the state.
Etaifo further called on all political actors, their supporters and members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and channel their grievances through lawful means.
He said the police remained committed to maintaining law and order before, during and after the election, urging all stakeholders to place the peace and stability of the state above partisan interests. (NAN)
