Police Deploy Erale To Oversee Osun Governorship Election Security

The Nigeria Police Force has deployed Commissioner of Police Erale Samuel Etaifo to Osun State to oversee security for the August 15 governorship election.

The deployment was confirmed on Friday by the Osun State Police Command, which said the Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olatunji Disu, approved the move as part of preparations before, during and after the poll.

Erale is expected to coordinate election security operations across the state, working with other security agencies and election stakeholders. The police said officers assigned to the exercise had been directed to stay neutral and protect voters, electoral officials and sensitive materials.

The command also warned political actors and supporters against violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation and false information that could disrupt public order.

Premium Times reported that the deployment comes after months of controversy around the conduct of the Osun command under former Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan and calls from the state government for his redeployment. The police said Erale would be in charge for the election period.

Sources: Daily Post, Premium Times