OSUN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: NSCDC DEPLOYS 10,000 PERSONNEL, URGES NEUTRALITY

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has deployed 10,000 personnel to provide security for Saturday’s governorship election.

The command also directed all personnel assigned to the electoral duty to remain apolitical, neutral and professional throughout the election.

The Osun State NSCDC Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, gave the directive on Sunday during a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and Tactical Commanders at the command’s headquarters in Osogbo.

In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Adeleke Kehinde, Sotiyo disclosed that the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, would lead the personnel deployed for the election.

He stressed that the conduct of officers during the election would have a significant impact on public confidence in the Corps and the credibility of the overall security operation.

“I urge you not to put the name of the Corps into disrepute. Be apolitical, maintain neutrality and respect fundamental human rights,” Sotiyo said.

He directed personnel to carry out their duties in line with the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures and other relevant laws governing election security operations.

Sotiyo also instructed Area Commanders to ensure that officers under their supervision remained disciplined, professional and responsive to the security needs of residents throughout the electoral period.

He described the NSCDC as “a professional and non-partisan security agency responsible for protecting lives and property, critical national assets and infrastructure, while supporting the maintenance of peace and public order.”

The commandant urged personnel to treat voters with courtesy and respect, stressing that the governorship election was a constitutional exercise and that security agencies had a responsibility to provide a safe environment for citizens to cast their votes without fear or intimidation.

He assured residents that the NSCDC would collaborate with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process.

He further directed commanders to maintain effective communication and ensure that all personnel under their supervision were properly briefed on their responsibilities.

Sotiyo also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities or security threats through the appropriate channels.

He assured residents that the command would maintain heightened vigilance before, during and after the election.