As the Saturday, July 16, 2022, Osun gubernatorial election approaches, political parties have been warned to shun all forms of violence capable of plunging the state into chaos and anarchy.
This warning was handed down in Osogbo, the state capital, on Thursday by CP Olawale Olokode at the peace meeting organised by the state police command with all political parties in the state.
Represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Val Kanayo, Olokode enjoined all the political actors to shun acts that will portray them as taking laws into their hands and conduct themselves in a peaceful manner.
While stressing that the command, under his watch, will always put things right If adequately briefed, Olokode assured all political parties of a level playing field before, during and after the gubernatorial election in the state.
The Osun police boss also advised politicians and other members of the public to always formally inform the command before embarking on processions and assemblies.
Sounding a note of warning, the police chief said the idea of unnecessary blocking of roads during campaigns, rallies and processions without due process, attacking innocent citizens unjustly and assaulting security men on duty will not be tolerated.
According to him, “Anyone, irrespective of his status, who breaches public peace, would be punished according to the law.
“It very important to state that political activities, party primaries, consultation visits, campaigns and others are legal so far they are within the confine of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I, therefore, wish to enjoin all political parties and groups to play the game by the rules and allow themselves and their activities to be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“I advise politicians and other members of the public who may be supporting political parties to always formally inform the command before embarking on processions, assemblies, campaigns or rallies in order to make necessary security arrangements that would prevent any breakdown of law and order.”
While speaking on the protection of lives and properties of residents of the state, he assured that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the security of lives and properties.
The meeting, which saw representatives of political parties signing a peace accord, had in attendance, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, Young Political Party (YPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Action Democratic Congress (ADC).
