Politics
Police ban Amotekun, others from Osun governorship poll
THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said non-state security outfits, including Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations and community-based security groups, would not be allowed to participate in the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
The Force also warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against electoral violence ahead of the exercise.
The warning was contained in a statement on Wednesday, August 12, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu.
The police said anyone who attempts to disrupt the election through violence, intimidation or thuggery would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
The Force identified ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters as recurring electoral offences that would not be tolerated during the poll.
It added that both direct perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence would face the law.
No role for Amotekun, vigilantes
The police said election security was the responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies and warned non-state and quasi-security formations against participating in the exercise.
It specifically listed the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch outfits among those barred from election security duties.
According to the Force, such groups are prohibited from escorting election materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints or bearing arms for election-related purposes.
“Political parties, candidates, and the public are warned against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related purposes,” the statement said.
It warned that members or sponsors of unauthorised security outfits involved in the election would be arrested and prosecuted.
The police said authorised agencies for the election include the NPF, State Security Services (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps, alongside other statutory bodies.
The joint deployment, it said, would cover all 30 local government areas of Osun State and provide security for polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters.
Police ban weapons at polling units
The Force also warned against the possession of firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials around polling units and collation centres.
It said only accredited security personnel lawfully carrying arms while on election duty would be exempted.
The police listed thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech and incitement to violence among offences that could attract arrest and prosecution.
The IGP directed commanders and personnel deployed for the election to remain professional and impartial while respecting human rights and the rule of law.
The Force urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, accredited observers and residents to report suspicious persons, movements and activities to security agencies.
The warning comes amid heightened political tension in Osun ahead of Saturday’s election.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M
