22nd July, 2014
Ahmed Wali, National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday arrived at Osogbo to supervise the 9 August governorship election in Osun state.
A statement signed by INEC Chief Public Affairs Officer in Osun, Mrs Adenike Tadese, said the deployment would enhance transparency and fairness during the election.
The statement said that Wali was received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Olusegun Agbaje, and the management of the commission.
Meanwhile, Police Command in Osun on Tuesday restated its resolve to protect lives and property.
This was contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Ibrahim Maishanu, Commissioner of Police and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this command is alive to its responsibility of protecting lives and property and maintaining the liberty of all the people.
“We will, therefore, not allow any action capable of undermining the peace being enjoyed in the state.
“The police will like to advise those concerned to stop spreading rumours, falsehood and making unfounded allegations,” it stated.
The statement appealed to the media to be alive to their social responsibility of reporting the truth and avoid unconfirmed reports.
it stated that Steven Dosumu, Executive Secretary, Boluwaduro Local Government was not arrested, detained, taken to Abuja or threatened to be taken to Abuja by the command.
It described the report in some national newspapers as a mere falsehood, meant to unduly cause crisis and generate tension among the people.
The police commissioner also said that no ammunition was found in the private residence of the executive secretary. A report had alleged that Dosumu was whisked away for being in possession of 17 Kalashnikov rifles, 10 Pump Action guns and 50 machetes, adding that the allegation was false.
It stated that the police received a petition signed by one Hashim Abioye alleging attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, violent conduct and criminal assault against four persons.
“The police invited all the parties and carried out a thorough investigation, including searches in the premises of those accused, in company of the petitioner.
“The allegation turned out to be false and without any basis. No weapon of any kind was found in possession of the executive secretary or any of his associates,” it stated.
It further said that the quantum of weapons alleged was sufficient to start a war and the false report was capable of instilling fear in the people.
According to the statement, this kind of allegation is very sensitive and requires to be verified by the appropriate authority, which is the police.