Women from across Osun State on Monday took to the streets to protest what they described as alleged harassment, intimidation and unlawful treatment of citizens by security personnel ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The protesters also raised concerns over reported cases of political violence, arrests and intimidation, while expressing reservations about the conduct of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, whom they accused of perceived partisanship.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Electoral Violence,” “We Want Ballots, Not Bullets,” “Election Is Not War,” “Vote, Don’t Fight,” “Let the People Decide, Not Violence,” and “Stop the Killings in Osun,” the women called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain neutral and professional.
One of the placards also read, “14-year-old child is too small to die,” as the protesters condemned the loss of lives allegedly linked to political activities in the state.
The women said no election should be allowed to claim the life of any Nigerian, stressing that political differences must not become a justification for violence, intimidation or destruction.
«“Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters must not become casualties of political ambition. Elections come and go, but human lives cannot be replaced,” the protesters said.»
They called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately redeploy CP Ibrahim Gotan, alleging that such a move would help restore public confidence in the neutrality of the police ahead of the election.
The protesters urged the police authorities to demonstrate impartiality and professionalism, insisting that security agencies must protect citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.
They also demanded equal protection for all political parties, candidates and supporters, while calling for thorough investigations into allegations of political violence and unlawful conduct.
Mrs Ayobola Awolowo, Convener of the protest appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, national and international observers, and other stakeholders to closely monitor the election and ensure that voters’ rights are protected.
According to her, residents of Osun State deserve an election where voters can freely access their polling units, cast their ballots without intimidation and return home safely.
In their demand, the women called for immediate end to harassment and intimidation of citizens on political grounds. Impartial and professional conduct by the police and other security agencies. Credible investigations into reported cases of political violence and killings. Equal protection for all political parties, candidates and voters.
“A free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process. Adequate security at polling units and collation centres without political interference. Respect for citizens’ fundamental rights to vote according to their conscience.
The women said their protest was fundamentally about peace, security, democracy and the preservation of human life.
They called on political actors to restrain their supporters, reject violence and allow the people of Osun State to freely determine their leaders through the ballot box.
“We want ballots, not bullets. We want leaders, not mourners. Election is not war. Let everyone live,” they declared.
The protesters urged security agencies to rise above political considerations and provide a level playing field for all stakeholders, stressing that the forthcoming election should be remembered as a celebration of democracy rather than a period of fear and violence.
About The Author
