- Safiu Kehinde
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 11 Headquarters in Osogbo, Fasuba Olabode, has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) and other vigilante groups from performing security functions at the forthcoming Governorship Election in Osun State.
Fasuba also extended the ban to the quasi-security outfit, political organization, and neighborhood watch group, stressing that only personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and other constitutionally recognised security agencies are eligible to perform the duty at the August 15 election.
The AIG made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ojedele Tunji.
Fasuba, in the statement, reiterated that the Amotekun corps and the other bodies unauthorised are not eligible to interfere with the electoral process.
‘As part of efforts to maintain law and order throughout the election period, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other constitutionally recognized security agencies, will be solely responsible for the provision of security before, during, and after the election.
‘The public is hereby informed that all security personnel deployed for election duties are expected to be properly identified and appropriately dressed in their approved official uniforms.
‘Furthermore, the Assistant Inspector General of Police wishes to emphasize that only constitutionally recognized security agencies are authorized to participate in election security operations.
‘Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), Vigilante group, quasi-security outfit, political organization, neighborhood watch group, or any other unauthorized body ARE NOT eligible to perform security functions, provide crowd control, or interfere with the electoral process.’ The statement partly read.
Fasuba warned the Amotekun corps and the vigilante groups against engaging in the electoral activities at polling units.
‘Any individual or group found engaging in unauthorized security activities or attempting to intimidate voters, electoral officials, or other stakeholders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.’ The statement read further.
The AIG urged all political parties, candidates, supporters, and members of the public to remain law-abiding, conduct themselves peacefully, and cooperate fully with security personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He also charged Osun residents to report any suspicious movements, acts of violence, voter intimidation, or breaches of the peace to the nearest police station or other authorised security agency.