The Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, has reaffirmed the readiness of the corps to ensure maximum security before, during and after the forthcoming election in Osun State, while calling for a peaceful, transparent and violence-free electoral process.
Dr. Omoyele made this known while receiving representatives of the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) at the headquarters of the Osun Amotekun Corps during a strategic engagement focused on election security, intelligence gathering and public safety.
Speaking during the visit, the representative of KDI, Oluwafemi Adebayo, commended the leadership of the Osun Amotekun Corps for receiving the delegation and described the visit as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and grassroots security outfits ahead of the election.
According to him, KDI’s mission is to work closely with security stakeholders in intelligence gathering and election monitoring to ensure the safety of residents, electoral officials and observers expected in the state during the electoral exercise.
Adebayo explained that KDI, a non-governmental and non-profit organisation established in 2014, has been carrying out security intelligence tracking across Osun State over the past three months in preparation for the election.
He stated that the organisation visited the Corps Commander to benefit from his wealth of experience in the security sector and to gain deeper insight into the security architecture of the state, including areas considered security flashpoints.
He further disclosed that KDI was one of the organisations behind the “Vote No Fight” campaign during previous elections in Osun State and across Nigeria, adding that the group remains committed to promoting peaceful democratic participation and reducing electoral violence.
“We are going round the nook and crannies of the state to understand the situation on ground and ensure that residents, visitors and election observers are adequately protected during the election period,” he said.
Adebayo also applauded the Osun Amotekun Corps for what he described as its outstanding performance in maintaining peace and security across the state.
Also speaking, the Field Commander of the Corps, Dr. Capt. Olusoji Benedict Akanni, appreciated the KDI delegation for recognising the importance of community-based security outfits in maintaining peace and stability.
He noted that the Osun Amotekun Corps remains committed to the protection of lives and property, stressing that the intelligence and operations units of the corps are working tirelessly to ensure peace and rapid response to any form of security threat.
“There is no cause for alarm. Our intelligence network and operational structures are active and fully prepared to respond to any emergency or security breach in any part of the state,” Akanni stated.
In his remarks, the Corps Commander, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, applauded KDI for finding the Osun Amotekun Corps worthy of collaboration in the collective fight against insecurity through intelligence sharing and strategic partnership.
Omoyele maintained that Osun State remains peaceful and secure, noting that the current stability being enjoyed in the state is a product of years of strategic security planning and collaboration among stakeholders.
Reflecting on his experience in security operations, he recalled his role during the period when incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery were rampant in parts of the state, including Ikirun, Iree and Iragbiji.
He explained that while serving as OC SARS at the time, strategic committees and security interventions were established to tackle criminal activities, leading to the restoration of peace in affected communities.
Speaking on electoral reforms, Dr. Omoyele advocated for the adoption of electronic voting in Nigeria, describing it as a modern solution capable of reducing electoral violence, vote manipulation and unnecessary exposure of voters to danger during elections.
According to him, electronic voting would enable citizens to cast their votes safely from their homes or designated locations without overcrowding polling units.
Using banking technology as an example, he noted that if Nigerians can conveniently use Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and carry out financial transactions electronically, then the country can also deploy technology-driven voting systems to ensure credible elections.
He stressed that a properly designed electronic voting application with strong security features would prevent double voting and significantly curb election-related criminal activities.
“Electronic voting will promote peaceful and transparent elections. With technology, people can vote safely from anywhere, just as it is done in some advanced countries,” he added.
The Corps Commander also called on the government to prioritise the welfare and safety of security personnel deployed for election duties.
He observed that many officers drafted from outside states often face accommodation challenges during elections, forcing some to sleep in poor conditions, which affects their alertness and effectiveness while on duty.
Omoyele therefore recommended the establishment of standard recreation and accommodation centres in states across the country to provide decent welfare facilities for security personnel, election observers and monitors during major electoral exercises.
He assured residents of Osun State that the Osun Amotekun Corps would continue to uphold its mandate of protecting lives and property and ensuring a peaceful atmosphere throughout the election period.
Present at the meeting were members of the management team of the Osun Amotekun Corps, including the Director of Administration and Supply, Mr. Dayo Adigun; Director of Finance and Account, Mrs. Grace Omitade; and the Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Idowu Abass. Members of the KDI delegation present at the meeting included Umar Damassabe Muhammed, Bunmi Ewelade and Hussein Gabriel.
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