By Dally Iyamu
Ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, the Nigeria Police Force has prohibited Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from taking part in election security operations across the state.
The police also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting the poll, stressing that anyone found engaging in electoral violence or other offences would face the full weight of the law.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ahead of the August 15 election.
According to the police, Amotekun, vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch outfits have no role in the official security arrangements for the election.
The Force said the restriction was part of measures to ensure a coordinated, professional and impartial security operation throughout the electoral process.
It warned the affected groups against escorting election materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints or carrying out other election-related security duties.
The police further cautioned political parties and candidates against engaging or sponsoring unauthorised security outfits for the election, warning that violators risk arrest and prosecution.
The Force said authorised security agencies would provide security across the state before, during and after the election.
It stated that the joint security deployment would cover all 30 local government areas of Osun State, with personnel assigned to protect polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, accredited observers, journalists and voters.
The police also warned against thuggery, voter intimidation, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of electoral materials, hate speech and other activities capable of inciting violence.
It urged political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and respect the rules governing the electoral process.
The Force assured residents that its personnel had been directed to remain professional, neutral and firm in maintaining law and order throughout the election.
It also called on members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide security agencies with relevant information on suspicious activities that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the poll.
The police reiterated that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the Osun governorship election.
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