Ahead of the June 24 general elections in Sierra Leone, the Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, is billed to lead the Commonwealth group to observe the poll.
The PUNCH reported that the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, disclosed this on Thursday, adding that the Vice President has accepted to chair the Commonwealth Observer Group.
Scotland said, “I am grateful to Yemi Osinbajo for accepting my invitation, to undertake this important area of our work in deepening democracy across our Commonwealth — despite his busy schedule and overseeing a seamless transition of his government.
“As a senior statesman from the region, Osinbajo understands in depth the challenges across West Africa and I am confident he will lead a brilliant team.”
Notable persons from the legal, media, gender and election administration professions would be joining Osinbajo from across the Commonwealth to execute the responsibilities.
The COG would be responsible for examining if there are conditions that exist for credible, transparent, inclusive, and fair elections.
Also, the group would also examine the media if it is impartial in its reportage of the electioneering process.
While appreciating the honor, Osinbajo said, “I’m highly honoured by the unique opportunity to continue to bring my expertise and experience in contributing to deepening democracy, especially in Africa, and the Commonwealth by extension.”