As part of preparations for a free and fair governorship election in Osun State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, on Wednesday, addressed all stakeholders in the 9th August gubernatorial poll asking thugs and those planning to foment trouble to stare clear of the state during the exercise.
At the forum, the IGP assured the people of Osun State that adequate security that will guarantee level playing ground for all parties involved. He added that the police and other security and law enforcement agencies will combine forces to ensure that the law-abiding citizens of Osun State feel free and safe to cast their votes without any form of intimidation or harassment.
While warning against actions that may amount to electoral offences, the IGP advised political thugs and other mischief makers to steer clear of Osun state as the security forces deployed to the state would ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act and other relevant statutes.
The IGP also warned politicians and VIPs neither to move about on the day of the election with uniformed (or armed) orderlies, nor use siren.
Present at the meeting, held in the state capital Osogbo, were the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, and representatives of the Army, DSS, FRSC and NSCDC.
Politicians, civil society groups, traditional rulers and representatives of political parties were also present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, the police have commenced extensive security operations in the state, including the deployment of plain cloth detectives and surveillance helicopters for aerial patrols, while the anti-bomb squad and other specialised and tactical units are on the ground to support the ongoing security operations in the state.
