The Nigerian Police Force have barred operatives of the Amotekun security outfit from participating in the fast approaching Osun State gubernatorial election.
The Police expressed the ban on the Amotekun as well as the local vigilante and other non-state security bodies from engaging in the franchise, warning political parties, candidates and supporters ro shun deploying members of the groups for any purpose during the poll.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the Police held that the groups which also include the Civilian Task Force, CJTF, hunters’ association, were not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or bear arms during the election billed for this Saturday to be conducted in all 30 local governments in the state. The security agency, in the circular made available on Wednesday, held that only recognised security agencies which are: the Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and other statutory bodies are the only constitutionally recognised agencies to carry out the task.
It urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive in order to contribute their quota in ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election, also warning that any erring individual would be arrested and necessary prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Furthermore, it also cautioned against election misconduct ranging from violence, intimidation or thuggery, vote buying, stating that perpetrators of the acts would face the wrath of the law.