The Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) has praised the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the entire leadership and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force for ensuring a peaceful, credible and violence-free election in Osun State.
In a press statement signed by its President, Olalekan Olabulo, the association said the election held despite heightened political tension and widespread apprehension, yet the police and other security agencies were able to maintain order and protect citizens throughout the process.
“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,” the statement read.
CRAN singled out the strategic deployment of personnel and the conduct of officers on duty for special praise.
“CRAN particularly applauds the strategic deployment of personnel, proactive management of potential flashpoints, and the discipline and restraint demonstrated by officers on duty,” the association said.
According to CRAN, intelligence-led policing played a central role in preventing the election from being marred by unrest.
“Through intelligence-led policing and effective management of identified hotspots, the Force successfully deterred potential threats and prevented situations from escalating into violence,” the statement noted, adding that the outcome showed that “a firm but fair approach, rather than brute force, remains the bedrock of effective electoral security.”
The association, which represents journalists covering crime, security and related matters, said the peaceful conduct of the Osun poll carries broader significance for Nigeria’s democracy.
“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 statement said, adding that the election “demonstrates the importance of meticulous security planning, intelligence-led policing and respect for citizens’ rights before, during and after the polls.”
CRAN called on the police to sustain the standard set in Osun in future elections and to deepen collaboration with other stakeholders.
“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,” the statement said.
The association also appealed to political actors and their supporters to match the professionalism shown by security agencies.
“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,” it said.
CRAN stressed that the success of an election cannot be judged solely by the conduct of the polls.
“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 statement said, describing the Osun experience as “a benchmark for future elections.”
The association urged the police and other security agencies to build on the achievement recorded in Osun by reviewing lessons learnt and improving strategies for future polls.
“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,” the statement concluded.
