Yiaga Africa has warned against the engagement of the personnel of the South-West Security Network, also known as Amotekun, during the Osun governorship election.
The group added that the Nigeria Police Force, which was the lead security agency in election security in Nigeria, must ensure that the Amotekun was not given any role in the election.
In a pre-election observation report by the group, obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, Yiaga Africa hinged its decision on the fact that Amotekun corps were not members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Election Security.
It partly read, “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.”
The group also lamented physical attacks and other forms of violence against candidates and supporters, 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.
The group also urged the 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.
