By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Commissioner of Police overseeing security for the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Samuel Etaifo, has announced that about 15,000 police personnel will be deployed across the state to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
Speaking in Osogbo on Wednesday while addressing officers and journalists, Etaifo explained that the contingent will include conventional police officers, specialists, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), dog handlers and medical personnel. He added that senior officers will also be on ground to supervise operations. “As I speak with you, the total number of officers expected for this election is nothing less than 15,000. This includes conventional policemen, specialists, dog section, medical personnel and the PMF. The DIG and AIG in charge of this operation are also coming,” he said.
Etaifo noted that his early deployment was directed by the Inspector General of Police due to rising political tension in the state. He revealed that additional personnel had already been sent following recent incidents of violence.
He urged officers to maintain professionalism and operate strictly within the law, warning that anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process, regardless of status or political affiliation, would face the full weight of the law. He further stated that individuals arrested for electoral offences would be transferred to Abuja for investigation and prosecution. “Arrested violators of electoral laws will be moved straight to Abuja. No one arrested in Osun during or after the election will be detained here. This election is a federal government exercise, and that is the directive,” he added.
Eligible voters in Osun will head to the polls on August 15 to elect a governor, with 14 candidates, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, contesting the election.