policeIbadan- Ahead of February’s general elections, the Oyo State Police Command has assured candidates of political parties of their safety as they go about their political campaigns.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said that the command had solicited the cooperation of political parties by asking for their campaign itineraries.
“ We have the itineraries of the different candidates stating when and where they wish to have their campaigns.
“ With this information at our disposal, the command will always ensure the provision of adequate manpower to man venues of such rallies.
“ In addition, we can reliably say that we would continue to provide enough security for candidates as they campaign round the state.
“As they move around from one place to another, our patrol team would move with the candidates and their entourage.
“ This is to secure lives and to forestall any breakdown of law and order,” he said.
Ajisebutu also promised that the police would provide security at venues hosting political debates in the state.
“As part of our efforts to stem political violence in the state, the presence of the police would also be felt at venues of political debates.
“To this effect, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been mandated to ensure visible policing in their jurisdiction,” he said.
Ajisebutu, however, urged politicians to avoid deliberate acts of provocation during political campaigns.