‘We Want Peace’ — First Lady Leads Protest To Police HQ, Demands Police Action Ahead Of Osun Poll

The Osun State First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, on Monday led a protest by women to the state Police Command in Osogbo, demanding urgent action over alleged violence, arrests and intimidation of members and supporters of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The protesters, who marched through parts of Osogbo, called on the police to ensure a peaceful atmosphere that would allow voters to freely exercise their franchise during the August 15 election.

The protest, which began from Laro Grammar School, moved through Lameco before terminating at the headquarters of the Osun State Police Command, where the protesters met the Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo.

Adeleke was accompanied by a large number of women, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ayobola Awolowo, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, Mrs Eniola Omotosho.

Addressing the police officer, the First Lady urged the command to invite and question Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, as well as Hon. Wole Oke and Kehinde Raji over what she described as alleged cases of violence in parts of the state.

She said the protesters were demanding nothing more than a peaceful and credible election, expressing concern over alleged attacks and arrests of members of the ruling Accord Party.

“We are demanding a free and fair election in the forthcoming poll. We want peace; let there be peace. Please invite Fadahunsi, Wole Oke and Kehinde Raji.

“Invite them for questioning to stop killing our husbands and children. Make them sign an undertaking.”

Adeleke also alleged that security agencies were planning to arrest more political leaders and members of the Accord Party ahead of the election.

“From what we heard, we learnt that they will start picking our leaders up this week.”

She recalled the recent arrest of the state Commissioner for Environment, alleging that he was subjected to degrading treatment while in police custody.

“Last Friday, they picked up the Commissioner for Environment. He was brought here and stripped naked. This is not good enough. They should leave our people alone.”

Responding, the CP Election, Samuel Etaifo, said the heightened tension in the state had reduced considerably since his arrival, assuring the protesters that their concerns would be looked into.

Etaifo, however, cautioned the protesters against actions that could further heighten tension, saying the police could not allow activities capable of undermining peace ahead of the election.

“Since I came, we have had relative peace in the state. But the problem we have is that we cannot continue to tolerate what you have done today because it will not contribute to peace; it will cause tension again.”

He warned against a situation where rival political groups could stage simultaneous protests, saying such an encounter could escalate into confrontation.

“Let us assume that you come out now and the other party comes out, then both of you meet. What will happen?”

The police chief assured the protesters that the command would review their complaints and restrategise to address their concerns ahead of the election.

“We are going to go back and restrategise to attend to all your demands.”

Etaifo said his mandate from the Inspector-General of Police was to stabilise the state and provide an enabling environment for all political actors to participate in the election without fear.

“We don’t want tension before the election. We want peace. We cannot conduct an election in an insecure environment.

“I have the mandate from the IGP to come to the state to stabilise things, give an enabling environment for every political actor to exercise their franchise and create public confidence for everyone to come out to vote on election day.”

The CP warned politicians and other stakeholders against attempting to manipulate the electoral process, saying the police would deal firmly with anyone found culpable.

“If you are a manipulator of any election, that is even the worst. The IGP and Nigeria will not forgive you. I will arrest you and take you to Abuja because this election is a federal election; we must get it right.”

The development comes as political activities intensify across Osun ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with rival parties trading allegations over violence, intimidation and the conduct of security agencies.