Why Osun Commissioner Was Removed

Why Osun Commissioner Was Removed – IGP Reveals
Osun Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan was asked to step aside.
Police deployed additional officers ahead of the August 15 election.

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has explained that the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, was asked to step aside following complaints from political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Disu disclosed this during a press briefing that circulated widely on social media on Sunday, saying the decision was taken after some politicians raised concerns about their confidence in the state police leadership.

According to the IGP, the police subsequently deployed an Electoral Commissioner of Police to oversee security operations ahead of the election.

“For the first time, we introduced the electoral commissioner of police who will be taking charge of the elections earlier, when we noticed that certain groups of politicians and parties were complaining that they no longer trust the commissioner of police,” Disu said.

He said the decision was intended to strengthen confidence in the security arrangements for the election.

“So, the commissioner of police was asked to stand aside while the electoral commissioner of police moved in earlier,” he added.

Disu said additional senior police officers would also be deployed to Osun State as part of preparations for the election.

“The AIG in charge of election will be moving in any moment from now. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, who will be taking charge of the Osun election, will also be moving in,” he said.

The IGP said officers deployed for the election had been given specific instructions to maintain security and prevent violence.

“They have specific instructions. We the police are in charge of internal security. We are the lead organisation in charge of this election,” Disu stated.

He, however, said the Nigeria Police Force would work with other security agencies deployed for the election.

“Yes, we are going to cooperate with other sister agencies who are going to support us during this election,” he said.

Disu also addressed concerns over possible violence, saying police teams had already been deployed to different parts of Osun State to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

He said the increased security presence was aimed at preventing attacks and ensuring that residents could participate in the election without fear.

The August 15 governorship election will feature incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking a second term against other contenders, including the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo.