Osun State First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, has led a group of women to the state police command in Osogbo to protest alleged intimidation of voters and political actors ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The First Lady of Osun State, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, on Monday led a group of women to the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, where they demanded a peaceful and credible environment for the forthcoming governorship election.
The protest came just days before residents of the state are expected to go to the polls to elect their governor...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Mrs Adeleke, accompanied by the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Ayobola Awolowo, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, Mrs Eniola Omotoso, marched from Lameco through the West Bypass to the police command.
The protesters subsequently submitted a letter of protest to the Police Commissioner responsible for election duties, CP Samuel Etaifo. (Vanguard News)
First Lady Raises Alarm Over Alleged Intimidation
Speaking during the protest, Mrs Adeleke called on the police and other security agencies to ensure that voters and political actors are allowed to participate freely in the election without intimidation.
She alleged that some leaders associated with the Accord Party were being targeted for arrest by opposition elements.
According to her, there were concerns that more political leaders could be arrested in the days leading to the election.
She also referenced the reported arrest of the Commissioner for Environment the previous Friday, alleging that he was subjected to degrading treatment while in police custody.
The First Lady described the alleged treatment as unacceptable and called for political actors and their supporters to be allowed to participate in the electoral process without fear. (Vanguard News)
Protesters Demand Peaceful August 15 Election
A major demand of the protesters was for security agencies to provide an environment where eligible voters can exercise their franchise without intimidation.
The First Lady stressed the importance of ensuring that the election is conducted peacefully and credibly.
With the governorship election scheduled for August 15, concerns over security and political tension have become a major issue among stakeholders in the state.
The protesters therefore urged the police to take necessary measures to protect voters and political participants before, during and after the election.
Police Receive Petition, Promise Action
Receiving the petition on behalf of the police command, CP Samuel Etaifo assured the protesters that the security agencies would work towards providing a peaceful atmosphere for the election.
The police commissioner said the security situation in Osun had improved since his deployment, while also urging political actors to avoid activities capable of increasing tension in the state.
He explained that his deployment followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, with the mandate of stabilising the state and creating an environment where political actors could freely exercise their rights. (Vanguard News)
Police Warn Political Actors Against Creating Tension
CP Etaifo also expressed concern about the protest itself, warning that activities capable of creating additional tension could undermine the peaceful atmosphere the police were working to maintain.
He, however, assured the protesters that the command would review the demands contained in their petition and restrategise where necessary to address the concerns raised.
The police commissioner reiterated that the command’s objective was to create public confidence and ensure that citizens can come out to vote on election day without fear. (Vanguard News)
Osun Election Security Remains a Major Concern
The protest comes at a time when security preparations for the August 15 governorship election are receiving significant attention.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of thousands of personnel for the election and warned politicians, electoral officials and other stakeholders against activities capable of undermining the process.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also said the police would remain professional, apolitical and impartial before, during and after the election.
The assurances are aimed at encouraging voters to participate in the election while reducing fears surrounding electoral violence and intimidation.
Why a Peaceful Election Matters
The credibility of any election depends not only on the voting process but also on the ability of citizens to participate without fear.
Political parties and their supporters have a responsibility to respect the law, while security agencies are expected to provide equal protection to all participants.
Voters also have a responsibility to remain peaceful and avoid confrontations before, during and after the election.
As Osun approaches August 15, attention will remain focused on the ability of security agencies, political parties and electoral stakeholders to ensure that the contest is conducted peacefully.
The Bottom Line
The protest led by Mrs Titilola Adeleke has brought renewed attention to concerns about alleged intimidation and the need for a peaceful electoral environment in Osun State.
While the allegations raised during the protest remain claims that require proper investigation and verification, the police have assured the protesters that their concerns will be reviewed.
With the governorship election only days away, all eyes are now on the security agencies and political actors to ensure that eligible voters can exercise their constitutional rights freely and peacefully.
The success of the election will ultimately depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to peace, fairness and respect for the democratic process.
