Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has instructed the state's security forces to detain any residents who break the restriction of movement order.
This is because Osun's 30 local governments and area offices will hold elections for the House of Assembly on March 18, 2023.
Also, recall that Usman Baba Alkali, the Inspector General of Police, had issued a directive on Thursday restricting vehicle and person movement during the exercise, with the exception of those on election duty.
The spokesperson for the Governor, Rasheed Olawale, has today issued a press statement that was signed by Adeleke. In it, Adeleke tasked the security agencies with enforcing previous directives and regulations that require political leaders to remain in their areas after voting rather than traveling through towns and villages.
“Any resident who breaches the directive on movement restriction should be picked up. Political leaders who patrol around towns and villages during election should desist as security operatives are under directive to stop such movement. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the assembly elections.
“I have directed immediate arrest of hoodlums and political thugs statewide. Any leader who harbors such merchants of violence should await the full wrath of the law.
“As a follow up, security agencies have commenced raiding and cleaning up of hotspots and hideouts of criminals across the state. There will be no hiding place for those who are bent on foisting violence on the peace loving people of Osun State.
“This election will be conducted peacefully. I call on Osun people to troop out enmasse to exercise their civic rights. I assure our people of maximum security. We must ensure high turnout. Pick your PVC and exercise your constitutional rights to vote and be voted for.”
In addition, the Osun State Police Command reiterated in a statement that was signed by Yemisi Opalola, the Command's Police Public Relations Officer, that there would be no movement of vehicles, tricycles, or motorcycles from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day, with the exception of those on essential services.
“The Command is resolute to arrest and prosecute any person found in possession of illegal firearms during the poll. Anyone found in the act of intimidating/causing fear or apprehension to the members of the public before, during and after the election process will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“In the same vein, the Command is using this same medium to urge the public to report any police officer and other security agents found performing illegal duties or any impostor, parading himself/herself as a police officer or any other security agent during the poll to appropriate authority for proper sanction. The Police Control numbers to call are: 08039537995, 08075872433, 08123823981, PPRO: 08067788119.”
The police advised parents and guardians to be security conscious and to encourage their children and wards to follow the law while also stating that anyone acting in a manner likely to disturb the peace will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
