The Inspector–General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday, October 15, urged police officers to replicate and build upon the successes recorded in the just concluded Edo State election in Ondo State.
Egbetokun gave the advice ahead of the forthcoming Ondo State off-cycle gubernatorial election.
He cautioned officers to ensure a robust security architecture, adding that officers should perform their duties with impartiality and the highest professionalism.
The IGP said this at the quarter conference with strategic managers of the police held at the force headquarters, Abuja.
He said: “Our mission is to provide a secure environment where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission and stakeholders to ensure that the Ondo State election is conducted freely, fairly, and credibly, empowering all voters to exercise their rights without any fear of intimidation”.
Egbetokun also seized the opportunity to commend the officers and personnel deployed to the recent Edo State Governorship election, as well as to members of other security agencies who participated in the election security management.
“Your exemplary conduct contributed to a peaceful election, exemplifying professionalism and best practices in election security. Despite assessments predicting high levels of violence, your efforts neutralized threats ahead of the election, ensuring a peaceful process.
“This achievement underscores our capacity to secure electoral processes effectively. We are grateful for the commendations received from the general public, election observers, both foreign and domestic, and civil society groups.
“Special appreciation is due to the personnel from other security agencies who joined us in providing security during this election, including the Department of State Services, the NSCDC, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Commission, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“Your discipline, neutrality, and unwavering commitment to law and order, public safety, and the protection of democratic processes are truly commendable. Preparations for the forthcoming Ondo Governorship election as we prepare for the upcoming Ondo State off-cycle gubernatorial election” he said
The police boss reaffirmed his confidence in the distinguishing officers and the brave personnel on the field who confront criminal activities day and night.
“The Nigeria Police Force has grown stronger through our collective dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. Although the road ahead is laden with challenges, together we will overcome and continue to uphold our core values of integrity, service, and protection.
“Let us approach the future with renewed vigour and resolve, aware that the stability of Nigeria’s security lies in our capable hands. Remember, our primary mission and the respect it commands hinge on our discipline. You are all tasked with ensuring that discipline remains a cornerstone of your leadership and management efforts.
“Together, let us rise to uphold justice, fairness, and human dignity. Our united strength and dedication will forge the Nigerian Police Force into a pillar of hope and security. I look forward to fruitful engagement with you as we commence this conference.” he added
Speaking on the just concluded Rivers State local government elections, Egbetokun declared that the police acted professionally.
Recalled the political crisis rocked Rivers State to its foundation during which several lives were lost and properties worth billions of naira damaged.
Answering questions from reporters during the IGP Conference, he however, pointed out that the crisis was avoidable in the first instance but insisted that the Police stood by the side of the law.
According to him: “On the crisis in Rivers State, the Police did not do anything wrong, they were preparing for the Local Government elections and we were waiting when a Federal High Court barred the Police from participating in the election and a counter order came from the High court that Police should participate in the election.
“We have to pass the two orders to our legal department which advised that the police should stay off as ordered by the Federal High Court, with which we have to withdraw from further participation.
“Then the Commissioner of Police in the State informed me that the State governor has deployed Police personnel from the Government House to the Secretariat of the State Electoral Commission to go ahead with the Local Government polls and then we have gotten intelligence report about plans cause crisis and then we have to deploy personnel from the command to take charge of the place.
“Then, the Elections took place and those elected were sworn in and the Police had to unseal the Local Government Secretariats to allow the new elected officials to assume duties.
“If we were to remain there after the elected officials were sworn in, the Police would have been accused of taking sides, we vacated the Secretariats and then crisis erupted, we would have to return to restore peace on the orders of the Mr President to restore peace in the state”.
