Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure impartial policing and hold security operatives accountable ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, insisting that anyone involved in political violence should be arrested and prosecuted regardless of political affiliation.

The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, following the recent fact-finding visit of the Inspector General of Police to the state.

Adeleke commended the police chief for the visit, describing it as an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the security situation in the state. He said residents now expect the immediate implementation of measures that would guarantee effective, fair and non-partisan policing before, during and after the governorship election.

According to the governor, the visit should have provided the IGP with a clearer understanding of the concerns raised by political parties and other stakeholders, stressing that agreed resolutions must now be translated into concrete action.

“We appreciate the visit of the Inspector General of Police and that of the Deputy Inspector General a week earlier. The facts are out in the public domain. The IGP has heard and read from both parties. My only interest is to safeguard the safety of my people and protection of lives and properties ahead of the elections,” Adeleke said.

He urged the IGP to hold officers of the Osun State Police Command accountable, particularly the Commissioner of Police, whom he said must avoid any form of partisanship in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving political violence.

The governor maintained that law enforcement agencies should arrest and prosecute all offenders irrespective of their political affiliations, adding that his administration does not harbour political thugs and remains committed to the rule of law.

Adeleke further stressed that a peaceful atmosphere is essential for credible elections, noting that recurring attacks and killings threaten the rights of citizens to freely participate in the electoral process.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities, while insisting that the state government seeks nothing beyond fair, professional and impartial policing.