Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, to reform the state police command and restore public confidence following tensions surrounding the recent governorship election.
Zungura assumed duty as the new Osun Commissioner of Police on Monday and subsequently paid a courtesy visit to Governor Adeleke alongside senior officers of the command.
During the meeting, the new police chief pledged to work with the state government to strengthen peace, stability and public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
Adeleke, however, presented a number of demands to the new commissioner, including calls for more impartial policing and reforms within the command.
The governor said his administration expected fair policing and urged the police to rebuild public trust among residents.
He also criticised what he described as the alleged politicisation of certain police units in the state.
Adeleke called for an overhaul of units he alleged had been compromised or had developed reputations for political bias.
Another major issue raised by the governor was the release of members of the Accord Party whom he described as political detainees.
He urged the new commissioner to review cases involving members of the party who, according to him, were arrested for politically motivated reasons.
The governor also requested stronger cooperation between the police and the Osun State Security Council.
Zungura, in response, promised to work with the state government for peace and stability and said he would remain fair to all sides.
The new commissioner’s arrival comes at a sensitive period following the August 15 governorship election and subsequent political tensions in parts of the state.
Adeleke’s meeting with Zungura therefore provides an early indication of the relationship the state government hopes to establish with the new police leadership.
The police command has pledged impartiality, while the governor has made clear that he expects reforms and what he described as fair policing.
The success of that relationship will likely be closely watched as Osun continues to deal with post-election tensions and broader security concerns.