…… Urges Security Agencies to Maintain Neutrality
The National Civil Society Coalition in Defence of Democracy has called on security agencies to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The coalition, in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Jude Osekede and Olusegun Fasakin, raised concerns over alleged attempts by political actors, including a former Army Chief, to influence the conduct of security personnel deployed for the election.
The group specifically called on the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy to ensure that all personnel deployed for election duties operate strictly within their constitutional mandate and remain impartial.
The coalition said it had received allegations of attempts to influence the operational deployment of security personnel in some parts of the state, particularly areas regarded as opposition strongholds.
It urged the relevant security and investigative authorities to independently verify the allegations and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing was established.
The group also expressed concern over reports of politically related violence in parts of Osun State, calling on authorities to independently establish the facts surrounding reported casualties and injuries.
According to the coalition, security personnel must not ignore acts of violence or intimidation during the election, stressing that their primary responsibility should be the protection of voters, electoral officials, election materials and other stakeholders.
“The Nigerian military belongs to the Nigerian people and not to any political party. No retired officer, political actor or individual should be allowed to compromise the professionalism and constitutional responsibility of the armed forces,” the statement said.
The coalition commended the Nigerian Army for what it described as its professional posture and urged the Chief of Army Staff and other service chiefs to ensure that personnel deployed for the election remained above partisan interests.
It appealed to serving military officers and other security personnel to resist any pressure that could compromise their professional responsibilities or expose them to unlawful conduct.
The group also called on political parties and their supporters to reject violence and respect the democratic process, insisting that the outcome of the election should be determined by voters rather than through intimidation or violence.
The coalition further urged international election monitors and local observers in Osun State to pay close attention to the conduct of security personnel, particularly in areas identified as potential flashpoints.
It asked observers to document incidents of intimidation, violence, interference with voting, improper deployment of security personnel or any other development capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“We call on international monitors and local observers to take note of these allegations and pay particular attention to the conduct of security agencies in all parts of Osun State. The eyes of the nation and the international community are on this election,” the coalition said.
The group maintained that the priority of all stakeholders should be to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and credible election in which the people of Osun State are allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate.
“The nation does not want a compromised election. What Nigeria needs and what constitutional democracy prescribes is a free and fair election. All security agencies must remain above board and ensure the protection of every voter, regardless of political affiliation,” the statement concluded.