By Moromoke Akanji
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it has deployed 10,000 personnel to provide a safe and enabling environment for citizens to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation during next Saturday’s Osun governorship election.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, on Monday in Osogbo.
According to the statement, the State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and Tactical Commanders at the Command Headquarters in Osogbo.
Sotiyo said the deployment was approved by the Commandant-General of the Corps, who would lead the operation.
He urged personnel to remain apolitical, maintain strict neutrality and discharge their duties with the highest level of professionalism before, during and after the election.
Sotiyo emphasised that the credibility of the Corps and public confidence in its personnel would depend largely on their conduct throughout the electoral process.
He warned against actions capable of undermining the integrity of the Corps or compromising the peaceful conduct of the election.
“I urge you not to put the name of the Corps into disrepute. Be apolitical, maintain neutrality and respect fundamental human rights.
“Discharge your duties strictly in line with the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures and other extant laws guiding election security operations,” he said.
The commandant also directed Area Commanders to ensure that personnel under their supervision remain disciplined, professional and responsive to security needs.
He described the NSCDC as a professional, non-partisan agency responsible for protecting lives and property, critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as supporting the maintenance of peace and public order.
Sotiyo further urged personnel to exhibit civility and respect for the electorate, noting that the election is a constitutional exercise.
He said the role of security personnel is to provide a safe and enabling environment for citizens to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
The commandant assured residents that the Corps would work in synergy with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process.
He reiterated the Command’s readiness to deploy personnel professionally and responsibly, stressing that the Corps would not compromise its neutrality or constitutional responsibilities.
Sotiyo also urged the public to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities through appropriate channels, assuring that the Command would remain vigilant before, during and after the election.(NAN)
