*Temporarily replaces Osun CP
By Hassan Zaggi
In an effort to ensure free, fair and credible election in Osun state on July 16, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered the deployment of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, to supervise the election.
He is to be assisted by 4 Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) of Police, 4 Commissioners of Police (CPs), 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), and 30 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs.
Adequate police personnel of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police and below have equally been deployed for the election.
In a statement signed by the Force Spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Olokode Taoheed Olawale, in charge of Osun state has been temporarily moved to the Force Headquarters and replaced by CP Julius Alawari.
DIG Kokumo who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Operation Order evolved from the Election Security Threat Assessment, is mandated to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment devoid of violence.
He is also to guarantee law abiding citizens in the state a secured space to freely perform their civic responsibilities without molestation or intimidation.
This is even as IG Baba Alkali is billed to meet with stakeholders in Osogbo on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
According to the IGP, operational deployments are part of actions aimed at creating a conducive and enabling environment that will guarantee peaceful and proper conduct of the Osun Gubernatorial election.
Other personnel comprising conventional police officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), INTERPOL, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Police Airwing, Public Relations Department (FPRD), as well as Police Medical Teams, will be on ground to guarantee free, fair, credible and acceptable election.
In addition, 5 Armored Personnel Carriers for patrol as well as 3 helicopters and 6 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for aerial surveillance amongst other unique operational assets were also deployed.
The IGP, therefore, reassured Nigerians and the international community of the preparedness of the Force for the election.
He reiterated the commitment of the Force to synergizing with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all stakeholders and other security agencies to protect democratic values, provide level playing field for all political actors, ensure adequate protection of voters, INEC officials, equipment, accredited observers, both domestic and international, and other key players in Osun State.
The IGP Baba Alkali, therefore, admonished Oson state residents to be law-abiding and comply with the restriction of movement order which will be announced soon.
