The Nigerian police force as well as other leading security agencies in Osun state have been cautioned by Yiaga Africa against employing the service of personnel of the South-West Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, during the Osun gubernatorial election scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, 16th July 2022.
In a pre-election observation report, Yiaga Africa warned that the Amotekun corps should be disqualified from performing any role during the election since they were not members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Election Security.
The report partly reads: “In this election, Yiaga Africa expects that the state’s local security outfit, Amotekun, will have no role since it’s not a member of the Inter-Agency Committee on Election Security. It is necessary for the Nigerian police as the lead agency in election security to ensure the Amotekun are not recruited or engaged in any aspect of the election.”
They also expressed concern over the alleged physical attacks and other forms of violence against candidates and supporter, urging the security agencies to ensure the security of lives, properties and election materials before and during the elections.
“In the days leading to the Osun governorship election, the atmosphere remained tense with reports, accusations and counter-accusations of physical attacks targeted at candidates and their supporters.
“Also, the increasing activities of political thugs and cultists in the state are no doubt capable of threatening the safety of personnel, materials, and citizens on election day
Similarly, it called on security agencies to operate at the election with “the utmost respect for neutrality, transparency, professionalism, competency, and accountability.”
“Upholding these principles will prevent incidents of violence on Election Day and secure lives and properties,” it added