Osun Police Caution Political Parties Over Unauthorized Campaigns

By Segun Ojo, Osogbo

Osun State Police Command has sounded a note of warning to all politicians, groups and members of the public to desist from any form of political campaign, rally or procession without being authorized by the police as osun gubernatorial election approaches.

The state Police authority gave the warning in a press release made available to journalists on Tuesdays in osogbo by the state Commissioner of police, Mr. Olawale Olokode, who reiterated the commitment of the command maintain law and order in the state .

Olawale said it is of germain to give a sound warning to political parties and members of the public in the state as Osun State Gubernatorial Electoral process and political activities generally gather momentum and therefore urged the Politicians to play the game as stipulated in line with the Electoral Acts 2010.

He said it is imperative for any of the political party or group before embarking on rally or political campaigns to seek permission from the police so as to avoid a clash as well as to ensure provision of adequate security for such campaign as hoodlums may use these as an opportunity to hijack it and cause mayhem in the state.

Olawale who spoke through the police public relations officer, Opalola Yemisi Olawoyin,said: “As the Osun State Gubernatorial Electoral process and political activities generally gather momentum, Osun State Police Command wish to caution/ advice members of the public/ Political Parties in the State to keep the command informed ahead of any rally/campaign/procession which must be duly approved before embarking on such.

” This is to avoid a clash as well as to ensure provision of adequate security for such rally/campaign/procession; as thugs/ hoodlums may use these as an opportunity to disguise/hijack it, to perpetrate their nefarious acts.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode, psc deems it imperative to caution/advice members of the public/Politicians/Political Parties in the State especially in this fragile/electioneering period and urged the Politicians to play the game as stipulated in line with the Electoral Acts 2010.

“The CP solicits for the understanding and cooperation of all political parties and also requests strong synergy between the Police and members of the public, in order to sustain the peaceful and serene environment currently being enjoyed in the state”.

The CP therefore calls all and sundry to be a law abiding citizen in the state as the police will not tolerate any activity that may lead to breakdown of law and order.He stated.