On Thursday October 2^nd 2014, Police commissioner Mr. Kola Sodipo  met with representatives of political parties in the state, As part of efforts to ensure violent free election in Oyo state next year. He told them of his readiness to be fair to political parties which operate within the ambit of law.

Sodipo who described himself as the  harbinger of peace specifically told the parties  representatives to educate their members on the need for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the 2015 general election maintaining the police have the wherewithal to deal with whoever foments trouble.

 

In attendance at the meeting which was held at the Eleyele headquarters of the state police command are representatives of political parties in the state including those of Accord, All Progressives Congress(APC),KOWA party, Action Alliance, APGA, Alliance for Democracy(AD)and African Democratic Congress(ADC).

Mr. Sodipo told the representatives of political parties in the state that he would not want the peace currently being enjoyed in the state to be disturbed during the election, revealing that his office is open to politicians who have genuine information and advice to ensure smooth conduct of the
election.

He equally cautioned that successful conduct of the forthcoming election is a task for all, imploring aspirants into various offices to embrace the spirit of good sportsmanship and avoid using violence

One major Issue raised by parties representatives at the meeting include controversy over where to paste campaign posters of aspirants in the state. As expected all of the representatives of the parties expressed their concerns over the law barring indiscriminate display of posters in the state urging for the intervention of the CP on the issue.

 

Other issues raised at the meeting include alleged use of fake policemen during election and permanent voters cards for eligible voters, all which they maintained, must  be addressed to ensure free, credible and violent-free election. The police Commissioner assured that appropriate strategies have  been put in place to ensure that there is no incident of fake police men being used in the next election.

 

Mr. Sodipo had, earlier on met with newsmen, saying he will be pursuing seven point strategies in the state, all which he said revolve  around community policing, feasible policing, cordial media/police relationship and Intelligence gathering from members of the public, among others.

 

He also assured that adequate security arrangements are already in place to ensure smooth celebration during the coming idel fitri 

festival.