CRAN Commends IGP, Police For Violence-Free Osun Election

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu

The Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) has commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, and the entire leadership and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism and commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible and violence-free election in Osun State.

The commendation came after the governorship election, which was conducted against a backdrop of heightened political tension and widespread apprehension.

Despite the challenging environment, CRAN, in a statement was signed by its President, Olalekan Olabulo, said the ability of the police and other security agencies to maintain order, protect citizens and safeguard the electoral process was highly commendable.

The association particularly praised the strategic deployment of personnel, proactive management of potential flashpoints, and the discipline and restraint demonstrated by officers on duty.

It said intelligence-led policing and effective management of identified hotspots helped to deter potential threats and prevent situations from escalating into violence.

“The discipline exhibited by officers demonstrated that a firm but fair approach, rather than brute force, remains the bedrock of effective electoral security,” CRAN said.

As an association of journalists covering crime, security and related matters, CRAN noted that peaceful elections are fundamental to the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy.

The association said the Osun election had demonstrated the importance of meticulous security planning, intelligence-led policing and respect for citizens’ rights before, during and after the polls.

CRAN urged the Nigeria Police Force to sustain the standard in future elections and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, electoral bodies, political stakeholders, civil society organisations and the media.

The association also called on political actors and their supporters to reciprocate the professionalism of security agencies by embracing peace, respecting electoral processes and refraining from inflammatory statements or actions capable of threatening public order.

CRAN maintained that the success of any election goes beyond the conduct of the polls, stressing that it must also be measured by the ability of all stakeholders to protect lives, uphold the rule of law and preserve peace.

It said the experience in Osun State should serve as a benchmark for future elections, demonstrating that effective security planning, professionalism, restraint and cooperation among stakeholders can create an environment in which citizens freely exercise their democratic rights without fear.

CRAN urged the police and other security agencies to build on the achievement by sustaining the momentum, reviewing lessons from the Osun election and continuously improving their strategies for securing Nigeria’s democratic processes.