Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday met the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, and called for fair policing as the state continues efforts to restore peace and public confidence after the tensions linked to the last governorship election.
Adeleke made the call during Zungura’s courtesy visit to the governor, where he asked the new police chief to improve the relationship between the command and residents and ensure that police operations are carried out without political bias.
The governor also announced the creation of a 10-member committee to handle complaints from people affected by election-related violence. The committee will examine petitions, verify claims and oversee the distribution of a N500 million relief fund approved by the state government for genuine victims.
Adeleke asked Zungura to review the operations of the state police command and take steps to rebuild trust between officers and members of the public. He said the government was ready to support the police in maintaining peace but expected the command to operate professionally.
The governor also called for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer in Ikire over a recent operation that reportedly led to the deaths of two people. He expressed concern about the conduct of the officer and said those responsible for protecting residents must not become a source of danger to them.
Adeleke further appealed for the release of members of the Accord Party whom he described as political detainees. He also called for an end to further arrests of his supporters and asked the new police commissioner to ensure that the police command takes part fully in meetings of the state security council.
Zungura, who recently took over from Ibrahim Gotan, assured the governor that he would work towards restoring public confidence in the police. He said the command would treat residents fairly and work with the state government to maintain peace and stability.
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Meanwhile, Adeleke inaugurated the committee responsible for handling complaints from victims of election-related violence. The committee is headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
The committee is expected to receive applications from affected persons, examine supporting documents and establish which claims are genuine. It will then recommend qualified beneficiaries for assistance from the N500 million fund.
The state government urged victims with genuine claims to provide correct information and relevant evidence to help the committee complete its work.
The committee has members drawn from civil society groups, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and various state government ministries and agencies.
Those appointed include Eniola Omotoso, Emmanuel Olowu representing civil society organisations, Balkiss Akinleye, Moshood Suleiman from the Ministry of Information, Moses Faremi from the Ministry of Justice, Yemi Lawal and Sola Sonibare of the Osun Investment Promotion Agency, who will serve as secretary.
The state government said the relief fund would be given only to people whose claims are properly verified.
The move comes as the Adeleke administration seeks to address complaints arising from election-related violence and improve relations between political actors, security agencies and residents across Osun State.
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