By: Yusuf Idowu
The Field Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Comrade Amitolu Shittu has advised the Independent National Electoral Commissions (INEC) to respect the Section 27 subsection (1) and (2) of the electoral act 2022, he made the assertion on Tuesday during an interaction session with the Osun INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Gbadamosi Raji in Osogbo.
According to him, "The Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps is a state owned security, established by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it's on this note that I want all to see her as security agency for the state and the country as no part of the body can exist on its own.
"Amotekun is established by the law of the country and her policies formulated by the Osun State House of Assembly for the indigenes of the state irrespective of their political affiliation, gender, and religion. I therefore make it clear here that Amotekun is a security of the people and inhabitants of the state.
"The Amotekun Corps is out to secure the lives and properties of the citizenry which include the Electoral official and election materials during and after the elections as captured in the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Time Table and Schedule of Activities for 2023 General Elections "Section 27, sub-section (3) states interalia: "Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and for purposes of securing the vote, the commission shall be responsible for requesting for the deployment of relevant security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters and shall assign them in the manner determined by the Commission in consultation with the relevant security agencies."
"In accordance with the provision of the above act, Amotekun is out to safeguard INEC materials during and after the election and to protect both the Ad-hoc and Regular staff including the observers at the Local levels and International level.
"In conclusion, "Section 26, sub-section (1) and (2) of the Electoral Acts, 2022 is good for effectiveness and trustworthiness.
"In lieu of aforementioned Amotekun would be looking forward to a synergy and enabling atmosphere to support INEC. We shall also strictly adhered to section 26 of the Electoral Acts, 2022". Amitolu said.
Amitolu Shittu also analyse the activities of the corps for the past one year in combating the crime in the state, which had arrested not less than 40 arm robbers, kidnappers, rapist and other criminals terrorizing the state, where they are now cooling their heads in the prison.
He promised to stand with the commission during and after the election. He also assured that the commission will not regret in working with Osun Amotekun.
He applauded Atakumosa East INEC Officer, Mr A.A Omotosho for carry the corps along in their activities.
In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Gbadamosi Raji, appreciates the Osun Amotekun Field Commander, Comrade Amitolu Shittu for the interaction with the Commission, assured is readiness to work with Osun Amotekun.
"We are ready to work with you because you are very close to the grassroots and we are doing everything possible to prevent violence and ballot stuffing during election because our motive is to avoid inconclusive elections, that's why we liase with security agents to make the election work well". Raji said.
He assured not to be partisan in the upcoming election and conduct free, fair and conclusive elections.
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