Osun 2018: Police Set To Deploy 18,426 Men In Osun
Speaking at Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission Stakeholders Forum on 2018 Governorship Election in Osogbo, the IGP stated that four policemen would be deployed to each of the poling units in the state.
According to Idris, the policemen that would be deployed for the election have been trained properly, assuring that the Federal Government has provided funds for the payment of the officers allowances.
“Arrangements have been concluded to deploy over 18,426 police personnel including conventional and PMF units, Intelligence and technical teams to provide security. This number excludes the support services to be provided by other security personnel from the Armed Forces, the Immigration Service, the prisons, the Custom and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense corps to complement the efforts of the police.
“Our brother politicians and their supporters are advised to desist from actions that may precipitate violence before, during and after the election.
“The police officers deployed for this election have been lectured and educated on electoral conducts, behaviours, laws and offences, and are therefore expected to conduct themselves in a highly programs ethical manners.
In his address, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Muhammed assured electorates in Osun that his Commission would conduct a free, fair and credible election that would be acceptable to all.
Besides, the INEC boss said out of fourteen procedures contained in the time table of Osun election, twelve have been successfully carried out remaining only the conclusion of campaigns and the actual election slated for September 22, 2018.
According to him, the major challenge facing his Commission is votes buying adding that INEC has however set machinery in motion to check the menace of inducement.
As part of measures put in place to check inducement, use of mobile phones will be restricted though it is impossible to place a blanket ban on it but appealed to political parties to play the game according to the rule .
He disclosed that 73% of Permanent Voters Cards have been distributed adding that INEC is fully prepared for the exercise.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi called on the people of Osun to set a legacy of good conduct that is worthy of emulation.
Ogunwusi urged all stakeholders including INEC, security operatives, politicians, voters among others to put Nigeria first in their engagement.
The monarch enjoined parents to talk to their children and wards to be of good behaviour and shun any form of violence and financial inducement.
