... as legislators Commend NPF for Election Security
By Femi Adedeji, Odey Lukpata & Sanwo Bamise.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, has announced the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to provide adequate security before, during and after May 29, 2023. He reiterated the commitment of the Force to a smooth transition in Nigeria following the results of the recently concluded 2023 general elections. The IGP added that the May 29, 2023, inauguration ceremony of the President, Governors and National and State Assemblies is sacrosanct. He stated this in an interview with the New Dawn Newspaper crew at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.
The NPF has expanded the deployment of officers across the country to provide a safe and peaceful environment for smooth hand-over and transition nationwide. IGP Alkali further expressed confidence that the Force will continue to ensure public safety, security, and law and order in the country, while noting his satisfaction that the robust security provided during the just-concluded 2023 general elections has led to kudos from well-meaning Nigerians. “Police Officers are apolitical because of their unique role in elections and security and safety operations and will continue to remain so while providing a safe environment for our democratic institutions and operations”, IGP Alkali said.
“As we begin to plan for the inauguration ceremony, I am confident that the Nigeria Police Force will be able to ensure public safety and security, as well as maintain orderliness in all locations related to the ceremony” He stated.
The IGP however urged citizens to continue to assist in providing the necessary support, urging the people to cooperate with police combating crime and criminality in the country for a safer and better Nigeria.
The Police boss disclosed that the police, military, and other security agencies are not leaving anything to chance or stone unturned in ensuring that all prospects of crime are neutralised and hence members of the public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
The inauguration is expected to feature prominent political leaders from all parties, foreign diplomats, and statesmen. It is the government’s hope that the security agencies will ensure that everyone, especially those attending the event, goes about their normal duties without hindrance.
IGP Alkali called for peace and order throughout the country adding that the development of Nigeria depends on each and every citizen to ensure that the upcoming inauguration event is a success.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has commended the Inspector-General of Police and other members of the Nigeria Police Force for excellent performance during the conduct of the 2023 General Elections in the State which ensured that the elections were hitch-free and devoid of violence.
In its letter dated 4th April, 2023, signed by the Clerk of the House, the Lagos State House of Assembly extolled the display of professionalism and neutrality by the Force leading to the actualization of an election adjudged to be the fairest and freest in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic history. It equally acknowledged that the feat was tailored to various transformational reforms of the IGP, his visionary and purposeful leadership in the NPF which has set the pace and good precedence for policing future elections in the country.
The Inspector-General of Police while acknowledging the correspondence from the State House of Assembly, appreciated its members and other well-meaning Nigerians for their display of patriotism during and after the polls, and reiterated the commitment of the Force to pursue exceptional policies and actions necessary for community-oriented and technological-driven policing services to members of the Nigerian Society.