Osun poll: Accord Party, Police differ over officers’ neutrality
By Shina Abubakar, OSOGBO
As the August 15 governorship election in Osun State approaches, tensions have risen between the Accord Party and the Osun Police Command over the neutrality of security measures in the region.
Accord Party Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, accused the police of shielding suspected thugs while targeting members of rival groups, particularly those associated with transport unions. He called for the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to initiate an impartial investigation into recent violent incidents and to ensure that any individuals found responsible are prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliations.
In response, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, refuted Akande’s claims, labeling them as false and misleading. Ojelabi asserted that the police force remains committed to professionalism and the rule of law.
“The police have not provided protection for any individual, political party, or criminal organization,” Ojelabi stated. “Our operations are conducted based on credible intelligence and evidence.”
He emphasized that arrests are made solely on substantial evidence, not on media reports or social media allegations. Several suspects related to public disturbances have already been arrested, investigated, and charged when sufficient evidence was available, with ongoing investigations into additional reported incidents, he noted.
Ojelabi revealed that some of those arrested had confessed to plans to acquire firearms to carry out further acts of violence.
