By Ebinum Samuel
The Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) commends 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 election was conducted against a backdrop of heightened political tension and widespread apprehension.
Despite. this challenging environment, the ability of the police and other security agencies to maintain order, protect citizens and safeguard the electoral process is highly commendable.
CRAN particularly applauds the strategic deployment of personnel, proactive management of potential flashpoints, and the discipline and restraint demonstrated by officers on duty.
Through intelligence-led policing and effective management of identified hotspots, the Force successfully deterred potential threats and prevented 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.
As an association of journalists covering crime, security and related matters, CRAN recognises that peaceful elections are fundamental to the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy.
The Osun election demonstrates the importance of meticulous security planning, intelligence-led policing and respect for citizens’ rights before, during and after the polls.
We therefore urge the Nigeria Police Force to sustain this high standard in future elections and continue to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, electoral bodies, political stakeholders, civil society organisations and the media.
In the same vein, we call on political actors and their supporters to reciprocate the professionalism of the security agencies by embracing peace, respecting electoral processes and refraining from inflammatory statements or actions capable of threatening public order.
CRAN maintains that the success of any election goes beyond the conduct of the polls. It must also be measured by the ability of all stakeholders to protect lives, uphold the rule of law and preserve peace.
The experience in Osun State should therefore 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 urges the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to build on this achievement by sustaining the momentum, reviewing lessons from the Osun election and continuously improving their strategies for securing Nigeria’s democratic processes.
