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Peacebuilding Initiative: Governor Adeleke and IGP Disu Call for Immediate Action Against Political Thugs

Governor Ademola Adeleke today hosted the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, on the recent political violence in the state, declaring that the police commissioner had become a tool of APC propaganda.

Calling on the police chief to arrest any perpetrator of violence irrespective of his political affiliation, the governor asserted that the commissioner of police is deliberately spreading falsehood and urged the IGP to pick up and prosecute any lawbreaker.

The police chief had told the governor that he was in the state to put an end to the political violence and warned that a stern directive had been issued for immediate clampdown on political criminals and their sponsors.

The IGP warned that the police would not condone unnecessary killings, stressing that “this is an election, not a war.” He said he had issued a marching order to arrest anyone responsible for violence.

According to the IGP, he has received several reports of accusations and counter-accusations on both sides of the political divide, informing the governor that his directive is for immediate arrest and prosecution of political thugs and sponsors of violence.

Advising parents to warn their children against involvement in political violence, the IGP assured the governor that he would ensure fair policing without fear or favour and warned political actors to stop promoting thuggery and violence.

The governor, in his response, said if his son or any member of his political party is involved in killings and gun attacks in Osun, the police should arrest him, declaring, “We don’t support or harbour violence.”

“We deeply appreciate the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police. The intervention saved Osun from bloodshed. We have insurgents and bandits to battle; we should not dissipate energy on fighting ourselves.

“We should be careful about our electoral process. The international community is watching Osun and Nigeria. We cannot afford to project chaos and conflict. People need a free and fair atmosphere for credible elections. Voting is not war.

“I thank the Inspector General of Police for visiting. I ask you to caution the police command to avoid partisanship. The police must ensure fair policing. This is the minimum condition for stability of our democracy.

“Specifically, I task our dear IGP to reorganise the police anti-cultism team. The partisanship of the officer in charge is widely known to the public. I ask that you dismantle and reorganise the police anti-violent crime team. The team is partnering with the court-sacked council chairmen. This is a dent on the police image.

“Then, there are many unresolved murders and gun attacks. Political thugs parade towns shooting sporadically. There are too many light weapons in circulation. The state police command should act.

“I demand genuine commitment and non-partisan roles for the commissioner of police. A compromised commissioner of police can be moved out. I welcome you to Osun State. We thank you for this visitation. Help us to enforce fair policing.

“We seek no favour other than equitable policing. Osun demands free and fair elections. We again commend the IGP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We know neither you nor the President is aware of the political crimes being committed here in Osun,” the governor posited.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.