NBA Demands Rule of Law in Osun Governorship Poll

 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged all stakeholders in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the poll is free, fair, credible and peaceful.

NBA President, Mr Afam Osigwe, SAN, made the call during a series of stakeholder engagements in Osun State ahead of the August 15 election.

Osigwe, who led a high-powered delegation of the association, first paid a courtesy visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, who is the first woman to occupy the position in the state.

The NBA President congratulated Babalola on her appointment and urged her to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by discharging her constitutional responsibilities with impartiality, courage and professionalism.

Responding, the REC assured the delegation that INEC was fully prepared for the election, disclosing that election personnel had undergone extensive training aimed at reducing human error and strengthening the credibility of the exercise.

Babalola also addressed concerns over recent disturbances in parts of the state, saying the incidents were largely linked to cult-related clashes rather than politically motivated violence. She said INEC had continued its voter education campaigns and engagements with student groups and other stakeholders to encourage peaceful participation.

She assured the delegation that every vote cast would count.

The NBA delegation subsequently met senior security officials, including Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Ishaku, at the Osun State Police Command, where they discussed security arrangements for the election.

Ishaku assured the delegation that the Nigeria Police Force had put comprehensive measures in place to provide adequate security before, during and after the election. He disclosed that a large number of police personnel had already been deployed across the state, with additional officers expected before election day.

The engagements culminated in a press conference at the NBA Osogbo Bar Centre, where Osigwe, flanked by chairmen and secretaries of NBA branches across Osun State, called for strict neutrality from all institutions participating in the electoral process.

He warned electoral officials, security agencies, political actors and public office holders against using their positions, powers or influence to favour any candidate or political party.

According to him, the only acceptable outcome is one that reflects the freely expressed will of the people of Osun State.

Osigwe also urged political actors to put the interest of the state above partisan considerations, warning that political competition must not be allowed to degenerate into violence.

“Osun must not be allowed to go up in flames, and no life should be lost in the pursuit of political power,” he said, while urging stakeholders to reject violence, intimidation and electoral malpractice.

He further called on lawyers participating as election observers to remain committed to defending democracy, reporting the truth and performing their duties with courage, professionalism and impartiality.

The NBA President, however, advised the observers to take necessary precautions to protect themselves while carrying out their responsibilities.

With Osun voters set to elect their governor on Saturday, the NBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting democratic values and expressed hope that the election would be peaceful, credible and reflective of the will of the electorate.