The Imole Campaign Council has raised concerns over the reported deployment of armed security personnel around the residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council alleged that the security personnel arrived in more than 10 black Hilux vehicles and cordoned off the Speaker’s residence, restricting the movement of people inside.
The council said it could not independently establish the purpose of the deployment or determine whether the personnel were providing security or conducting an official operation.
It therefore called on the relevant security authorities to urgently explain the reason for the deployment and clarify reports that movement in and out of the residence had been restricted.
According to the statement, the council attempted to contact the Commissioner of Police responsible for the election, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police election contact line and the Police Situation Room for clarification.
However, it said the calls were either unanswered or the numbers were unavailable.
The campaign council urged security agencies to conduct their operations on Election Day in a manner that would not create fear, tension or a sense of intimidation among residents.
It also appealed to the people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting an official explanation from the authorities.
The council stressed that residents should be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely and without intimidation or interference.
