NBA Warns Against Violence in Osun Poll, Urges Security Neutrality

• The Nigerian Bar Association has warned against violence in Osun State ahead of the governorship election.
• About 73 reported election violence-related incidents have been recorded in Osun State, with most occurring in Osogbo and Ilesa.
• Security personnel are urged to remain neutral during the election, carrying out their statutory duties without bias towards any party or candidate.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned against violence in Osun State ahead of the governorship election, urging security agents to remain neutral. Outgoing President Afam Osigwe expressed concerns over the spate of attacks recorded in the build-up to the election, calling on politicians to rein in their supporters and put an end to the violence. According to available data, about 73 reported election violence-related incidents have been recorded in Osun State. The NBA team is monitoring the situation closely, with Osigwe noting that recent incidents made it imperative for them to start observing earlier than Saturday. He emphasized that the violence is not spontaneous but rather orchestrated and planned by some individuals.

The NBA's warning against violence comes amidst a backdrop of increasing concerns over election observation in Nigeria. The Osun State governorship election is one of several high-stakes polls scheduled for the country this year, with many observers predicting a tense and potentially violent contest. Under Nigerian law, security personnel are required to remain neutral during elections, carrying out their statutory duties without bias towards any party or candidate. However, recent incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of these laws in preventing election-related violence.

The NBA's warning against violence has significant implications for lawyers and their clients involved in the Osun State governorship election. As electoral rights advocates, lawyers must be aware of the potential impact of security personnel's neutrality on their clients' obligations and entitlements. The situation highlights the need for close monitoring of developments and advice to clients on how to navigate any changes in security personnel's behavior or disruptions to the electoral process.

Lawyers should be aware that the Nigerian Bar Association's warning against violence in the Osun poll may impact their clients' electoral rights and obligations, and they should advise them to monitor the situation closely for any changes in security personnel's neutrality or potential disruptions to the electoral process.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Nigeria