CP Etaifo says inflammatory remarks will not be tolerated as state heads to Saturday’s governorship election
The Osun State Police Command has warned politicians and their supporters against making inflammatory statements or engaging in actions capable of triggering violence as the state prepares for Saturday’s governorship election.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in the state, CP Samuel Etaifo, following an alleged inciting comment attributed to Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District.
The police said the senator has been invited to provide clarification over the alleged statement reportedly made against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, CP Etaifo urged political leaders and public office holders to exercise restraint and avoid comments capable of increasing tension ahead of the election.
“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,” the police said.
The command warned that it would not tolerate any act, statement or conduct capable of provoking violence, disturbing public peace or threatening the security of Osun State before, during or after the election.
The police also reaffirmed their commitment to neutrality and professionalism, stressing that all political actors are expected to operate within the law.
According to the command, the invitation extended to Senator Fadahunsi is part of preventive measures aimed at addressing potential sources of tension before they escalate into a wider security challenge.
“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,” the statement said.
The police stressed that the invitation should not be interpreted as intimidation or an attempt to interfere with political activities.
Rather, the command said it was intended to prevent the escalation of political tension and support the conduct of a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
The development comes at a sensitive period for Osun State, with political parties and their supporters intensifying mobilisation ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll.
The police have consequently urged all candidates, party leaders, campaign organisations and supporters to carefully consider the consequences of their public statements and actions.
CP Etaifo also called on members of the public to remain peaceful and law-abiding, urging anyone with complaints or grievances to use established legal channels instead of resorting to violence or inflammatory rhetoric.
The command said the protection of lives and property remains its priority throughout the electoral process.
The police further warned that individuals who deliberately attempt to incite violence or disrupt public order would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The invitation to Senator Fadahunsi is expected to place renewed attention on the role of political leaders in reducing tension in the final hours before the election.
With political parties seeking to mobilise voters and secure support across the state, security agencies have repeatedly stressed the need for responsible conduct by all stakeholders.
The Osun Police Command said it would continue to work with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate security before, during and after the election.
The command therefore appealed to residents of Osun State not to allow political differences to threaten the peace of their communities.
It also urged voters to go to the polls peacefully, obey lawful instructions from security personnel and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.
The police maintained that political competition should not become a reason for violence and that disagreements among political actors should be resolved through lawful and democratic means.
As the countdown to Saturday’s election continues, the command said security agencies remain prepared to respond to any attempt to undermine public safety or disrupt the democratic process.
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