As political tension builds ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF has banned quasi-military groups, including Amotekun from taking part in operations during the election slated for this weekend.
The police has also warned political parties and voters taking part in the election that violence in any kind, including thuggery and ballot snatching will not be permitted.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has slated the governorship election for August 15, 14 political parties, it said, are participating.
As the election draws closer, violence and killing have been reported in many parts of the state, as politicians stepped up rhetoric which analyst say are capable of setting the state on fire before, during and after the election.
The NPF has however warned that violence will not be tolerated, urging politicians and voters to maintain peaceful conduct.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, gave the warning in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu,urging political parties, candidates and their supporters against recruiting, arming or deploying unofficial security groups during the election.
Amotekun, vigilante organisations, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch outfits are among those specifically excluded from election security duties, the police said.
They are not permitted to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, establish checkpoints or carry arms in connection with the election.
According to the police, political actors who sponsor or deploy them also risk arrest and prosecution.
The Force said anyone found using unauthorised security outfits to influence or disrupt the election would be dealt with according to the law, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The move comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in the state, where the contest has attracted considerable attention and concern from not a few Nigerians over possible violence.
But The police has warned politicians and voters, declaring that violence, intimidation, thuggery and other forms of electoral malpractice would not be tolerated.
The police stressed that ballot-box snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters could lead to arrest.
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