The Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians to refrain from using violence and inciteful comments as the state heads to the governorship election on Saturday.
This comes as he invited the Senator representing Osun-East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, over alleged inciteful comments against Accord Party members in Ilesa on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday, the police commissioner condemned the alleged comment, saying the politicians must exercise restraint at this critical period.
“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.
While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values, CP Etaifo emphasised that the Police will 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,” he said.
CP Etaifo reiterated that the invitation should not be misconstrued as an act of intimidation, but rather as part of proactive measures aimed at preventing the escalation of tensions and ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The Police Commissioner 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.
