By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission has engaged the security agencies in the state in its quest to ensure peaceful conduct during the local government council elections.
The meeting which was held at the Conference room of the commission, Agodi Quarters, Ibadan, had in attendance officers of the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Security Defence Service Commission, National Correctional Services amongst others provided a platform to dialogue and strategise ahead of the poll.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Ngosi Onadeko, enjoined politicians to shun violence before, during and after the election.
She noted that the election of candidates in an election should not be attributed to violence, saying that such would not in any way reflect true democracy.
Onadeko said further that the police would collaborate with sister agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property before, during and after the election.
The CP also admonished commission members to facilitate a meeting with the representatives of political parties with the security agencies on the need to promote peace during the election.
“You don’t win elections through violence, you elect people that you really want them to serve you.”
“Shun violence and criminality and let’s have a free and fair election. For the security agencies, we will ensure the security of lives and property during and after the election.”
The Commission Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, hinted that the meeting was facilitated to map out strategies to be adopted to ensure the atmosphere is peaceful for electorates to cast their vote on election day.
Aare Olagunju, while appreciating the security agencies for the collaboration, assured the people of the state of an election that will be free of violence and harassment of voters.
