AS the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for the Osun governorship election on Saturday, police uniforms and other paraphernalia were displayed for sales at various locations in Osogbo, the capital city.
The ICIR reporter saw a man selling police uniform by the roadside near the INEC office in Osogbo.
Another woman was selling boots and other outfits designed for the mobile police officers.
At the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo, traders were selling different types of police uniforms and light weapons like daggers, teargas and other paraphernalia.
The ICIR reporter offered to buy uniform and boots.
Prices for uniform range between N4000 and N6000 depending on the types. Police cap is sold for N1,500 while the belt is sold for N2,500.
A police officer who spoke to The ICIR bought his dagger at N6000. Another bought police vests at N2000. They confirmed that the police authorities no longer provide uniform for personnel.
“Police no dey give anybody uniform. Everyone dey buy their uniform,” one of the police personnel said.
The ICIR is yet to get a response from the police relations officer for the Osun State Command, Opalola Yemisi.
The ICIR interviewed some police officers buying the uniform.
Ajibola Amzat, Managing Editor at The ICIR. He can be reached via aaamzat@icirnigeria.org
and @ajibolaamzat on Twitter.
