2023 ELECTIONS: BUHARI CHARGES POLICE TO REMAIN APOLITICAL
REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU
President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the leadership of the Nigeria Police to sustain the current efforts geared towards guaranteeing peaceful elections to ensure that the outcome of the 2023 polls reflects the will of the people.
He made this known in Owerri while declaring open a 3-day retreat organized for senior police officers ahead of 2023 elections.
The theme of the conference is “the Imperative of a Nigeria Police Strategic plan for peaceful elections.”
President Buhari, who underscored the critical roles of security agents towards credible elections, urged the police to do everything within its means to ensure that Nigerians had a level playing field and secure atmosphere for citizens to exercise their franchise.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure that next year’s elections were free, fair and credible.
President Buhari urged the police to remain apolitical, noting that he was determined to bequeath a competent police force that would guarantee internal security and protect the nation’s democracy.
The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, stressed the need for improved welfare of security personnel, and gave an assurance that his administration would continue to support law enforcement agents to realize their mandate.
He recommended that candidates should commit under oath for peaceful electioneering, noting that the measure would help check post electoral violence.
The Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, represented by a National Commissioner Alkali Modibbo, said the commission had taken necessary measures to conduct credible elections and called on politicians to play according to the rules.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, explained that the retreat was part of efforts to build the capacity of the force, noting that security agencies were strategic towards the successful conduct of the elections.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for embarking on various reforms aimed at repositioning the police and gave an assurance that the force would not disappoint Nigerians during the electioneering.
There were goodwill messages from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; and the Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
