Play by rules, police urge Osun politicians

AS the August 9 governorship election in Osun State approaches, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Maishanu, has urged politicians to conduct themselves in accordance with the Electoral Act.

Maishanu, who resumed duty last week, said the police would not tolerate any breach of the peace.

He advised politicians to obtain police permits before holding political activities and warned them against blocking the roads.

Maishanu said: “It is necessary to warn politicians and other people against taking laws into their hands. They must trust that the police will do the right thing, if properly briefed. All processions and rallies must be peaceful and respect the right and safety of other people.

“The idea of blocking roads during rallies and processions and attacking innocent citizens, including security men, will no longer be tolerated. Anyone who breaches the peace will be punished.”

The commissioner said the police, under his leadership, will respect the rights of the people and uphold the rule of law.

He said ensuring peace during the governorship election would be “a Herculean task”, but his men would perform excellently.

Maishanu said the command would rely on the force headquarters and neighbouring states for logistics and support during the election.

He said the police would be fair and warned politicians against violence.

Describing Osun as a peaceful state, Maishanu said: “I expect politicians to maintain the level of peace I met in the state during and after the election.”