Oyo State Police Command has expressed readiness for the successful conduct of the general elections. It said the peaceful campaign going on by political parties in the nooks and crannies of the state was a testimony of its preparedness. The command warned political parties to maintain the existing peace in the state. Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Williams, urged parents to advise their wards not to be willing tools in the hands of politicians who might wish to recruit them as thugs:

“The practice of destroying political billboards in the state will no longer be tolerated. Political stakeholders should allow the state to be peaceful. They should put a check on their overzealous loyalists and supporters.

“Let me restate our resolve not to give room for violence before, during and after the elections. Anyone caught disturbing the peace or inciting violence through deeds or otherwise shall be decisively dealt with in accordance with relevant law and statute of the federation.

“I have also warned party leaders to concentrate on telling the people what they intend to do if elected. They should shun mudslinging, hate speeches and fake news.

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“We have trained and retrained our officers, the rank and file on how to behave during the elections. We have told them that they should do all within their power to ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.”

Williams sought the cooperation of the populace. He warned his officers to have good relationship with the public to ensure peace:

“We don’t want any violence or disturbance. Rather, we solicit peaceful campaigns.  All we want is to move Oyo State forward.”

He commended sister security agencies: “They should continue to lend their helping hands to the police as the state prepares for the coming elections.”