Fear of crisis: Osun residents stockpile foodstuffs ahead of July 16 guber election
Abimbola Abatta, Jeleel Olawale and Ismail Azeez
There is apprehension in Osun State over the possibility of violence erupting among supporters of contesting political parties during Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
Nigerian NewsDirect gathered that in spite of a peace accord signed by Candidates to uphold peaceful conduct at the election, the fear of looming crisis has pushed many residents into panic buying of food items ahead of the election.
Residents of the State, as observed by Nigerian NewsDirect, trooped to different markets in the State Capital to stockpile foodstuffs in readiness for the perceived violent outcome of the poll.
Recall that Nigerian NewsDirect had reported that despite the presence of military and security personnel in the State, political parties, their candidates and die-hard supporters have resorted to employment of thugs for fierce face off towards the poll.
Amid inter-party threat and counter-threat, it was also learnt that there is an increase in patronage of traditionalists for supernatural powers.
The reason for the aforementioned is hinged on the supporters’ desperation to ensure that their preferred Candidates emerge victorious after the election.
Following the fear of perceived violence, the national leadership of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Wednesday, pleaded with political parties to rule-out resorting to the use of hoodlums to sponsor violence or inducement of security men during the poll.
In a statement by the IPAC National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, obtained in Osogbo, political parties and their candidates were urged to willingly commit themselves to avoiding actions capable of instigating violence or compromise the credibility of the poll.
Although security measures have been deployed to forestall the occurrence of political violence during the election, Nigerian NewsDirect learnt that these have done nothing to assuage the fear of many residents.
Some residents in Ile-Ife said they have commenced panic purchase of goods because they cannot determine what will happen on Saturday, July 16.
In separate interviews with our correspondent in Ile-Ife, Mrs Ademola Mary, Mrs Oluwadare Iyabo and Mrs Omoyemi Monsurat said they have resorted to stocking up of foodstuffs because of palpable fear of political crisis.
“We have been to the market to purchase food stuff so that we can stay indoors because of unforeseen circumstances during the election. Some politicians have heated up the polity in Ile-Ife.
“We are now living in fear because political thugs have taken over streets. So, we prefer to stay indoors to take risks. We will prepare food for our family at home and watch television because information we are hearing in the town suggests fear.”
While monitoring three popular markets in Osogbo, Igbona, Oluode, and Alekuwodo, Nigerian NewsDirect gathered that the sellers were filled with happiness over the unusually high patronage from customers.
Speaking with our correspondent, Mrs. Abike Ishola said, “The situation in the State currently calls for us to stock our kitchen ahead of Saturday.
“We don’t know when the election will be concluded considering the last 2018 gubernatorial election.
“We are hopeful that the forthcoming election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere irrespective of which political party wins the day,” she said.
Also, in her reaction, Mrs. Bukola Imran said, “The number of security personnel that has been deployed to the state since Monday created a lot of fear which can reduce the number of electorate that will come out to vote.
“I enjoin the security agents to arrest any suspect that can disrupt the peace of the state before, during, and after the poll and I also want to urge the political gladiator in the state to allow peace to reign,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 11,226 personnel to provide security during the election.
According to a statement by NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Olusola Odumosu, on Thursday in Abuja, the personnel would provide security to all the 3,763 polling units and collation centres across the State.
It was learnt that the personnel had attended various workshops on best practices during elections and were acquainted with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Odumosu said undercover personnel from the national headquarters had been deployed for covert operations during the election.
“This robust operational order has been activated to ensure a hitch-free exercise and guard against molestation and intimidation of the electorate by hoodlums or party thugs,” he said.
The statement revealed that the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, also ordered the deployment of the corps’ Ant-vandalism Squad, Critical National Asset Protection Unit and other special forces to key areas, to thwart any attempt to vandalise critical government assets.
The operational hotline numbers of the NSCDC are: 08060003181, 08032898909, while that of N-Alert Situation Room are: 08066005861, 08032928878, and 07034322058.
Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Usman Alkali Baba, on Tuesday said 21,000 police officers would be deployed for the polls.
The IGP said the deployed officers would provide security, protect the electorate, INEC personnel and materials before, during and after the election.
According to him, the officers had already been trained and made aware of the rules of engagement, adding that the police remained apolitical and they were to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
