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Osinbajo to lead Commonwealth observers for Sierra Leone elections
The Commonwealth Group has stated that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will preside over a team of “distinguished experts” who will monitor the general elections in Sierra Leone on June 24.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday that Osinbajo has granted her request to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG).
According to reports, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone invited the Secretary-General to form the observer group.
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“Prof Osinbajo is a Professor of Law and one of the nation’s leading legal experts, serving as Vice President of Nigeria since May 2015,” the statement reads.
“He will be joined by recognised dignitaries from various fields including, politicians, legal, media, gender and election administration professionals from across the Commonwealth to carry out the task.”
The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to Osinbajo for agreeing 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”.
She noted that, as a senior statesman from the region, the Vice President understands in depth the challenges across West Africa, adding that she was confident he would lead a brilliant team.
The Commonwealth Group also noted Osinbajo’s appreciation for the opportunity to chair the Commonwealth Observer Group.
“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,” he was quoted as saying.
