Osun Election: 21,000 Police Officers deployed to maintain law and order

Image: The National Newspaper

On Tuesday, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, revealed that he would deploy  21,000 police officers for the July 16 governorship election in Osun State. He revealed this during Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Osun 2022 Governorship Election Stakeholders’ meeting.

According to the Inspector General, the deployment will help keep miscreants at bay. To forestall nefarious electoral activities like highjacking or disrupting the election process and not to intimidate residents.

He explained further that the officers would ensure electorates are safe and that INEC personnel and materials are protected during and after the election.

Baba said the deployed officers are already trained and tutored in the rules of engagement and would ensure the election is concluded free, fair, and credible.

On the other hand, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave his address saying concerning its readiness that they are fully ready for the Osun election.

He further stated that the electoral materials had been deployed already to all INEC local government area offices of the state.

Prof. Mahmood revealed that the commission would deliver sensitive materials to the wards 24 hours before the election, and the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) collection would continue until Thursday, July 14, two days before the governorship election.

He said the PVC collection in the state stands at 1,479,959 PVCs out of the 1,955,657 registered voters in Osun as of Sunday, July 10.

He said INEC is taking the initiative for the first time by deploying Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) as ad hoc staff selected from NYSC corps members for the election. He then calls on the electorate to cooperate and protect them.

He added that five INEC National Commissioners, 12 Resident Electoral Commissioners, and other senior INEC officers would be in Osun to support the state office in delivering a credible, free, fair, and conclusive election. 

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#Osun Election

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