Disturbed by the surge in killings and attacks by suspected political thugs ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the State Police Command, on Tuesday, convoked a strategic stakeholders peace meeting, with all relevant stakeholders condemning development in the state and calling for lasting peace.

Fatal politically motivated violent attacks had been recorded in Osogbo, Ede, Esa-Oke, Ilobu, Ile-Ife among other towns in the state and prominent political parties including the ruling Accord and the All Progressives Congress have been exchanging blames over the incidents.

The state governor, Ademola Adeleke, and some civil society organisations had called on the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu to immediately redeploy the Osun Commissioner of Police for allegedly failing to make any arrest nor stop the killings and attacks. However, other civil groups had passed vote of confidence on the CP, passing blame on Adeleke over insecurity.

Speaking at the interactive session with critical stakeholders including the Nigerian Army, Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, civil society organisations among others, Gotan vowed to intensify efforts in curbing the menace.

Addresing the stakeholders at the programme held at the Police Headquarters in Osogbo, on Wednesday, Gotan warned against the destruction, defacement, or removal of opponents’ billboards, banners, posters, and other campaign materials.

“We must also strongly discourage all forms of thuggery, gangsterism, and the recruitment or sponsorship of political thugs. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society. Political leaders should caution their supporters against acts capable of disrupting public peace and should refrain from providing support, encouragement, or protection to individuals who engage in criminal conduct,” Gotan said.

In her remarks, Osun REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, assured stakeholders of conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election.

She, however, joined other speakers at the event to demand for peaceful conducts, especially from gubernatorial candidates and their political parties, noting that “election is not war.”

According to the INEC boss, “The recent incidents of violence, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives, are deeply concerning and have created an atmosphere of apprehension among citizens and stakeholders. Such developments remind us of the urgent need for sustained dialogue, responsible conduct and renewed commitment towards peaceful participation. We strongly believe that engagements such as this will go a long way in addressing our concerns, reducing tension and promoting an atmosphere of peace as we approach the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains fully committed to conducting elections that meet the highest standards of transparency, integrity and credibility in a peaceful environment. However, it is important to emphasize that elections are not a war. Election is a democratic process designed to allow citizens to freely choose their leaders through peaceful participation. They should therefore be viewed as a contest of ideas, visions and programmes for the development of our dear State, rather than an avenue for violence, intimidation or hostility.”