In Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo, I-G pledges peaceful governorship elections.
Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Acting Inspector-General of Police, says the police have put in place watertight procedures to ensure a free and fair governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi on November 11.
Egbetokun stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with strategic police managers and a media conference to promote the Nigeria Police Force’s policies, breakthroughs, and successes over the last five weeks.
He stated that the purpose of the conference was to provide participants with the opportunity to outline some of the operational strategies for policing the off-season governorship election that would be held concurrently in the three states.
“We will take advantage of the fact that the elections are limited to only three states in order to deploy adequately for this election.”
“Just as you have seen in other isolated elections in Nigeria, you will notice that we have a greater availability of men than we used to have in general elections.”
“As a result, I have no fear, and no one should entertain any illusions about how safe and secure the elections will be in November.”
“With only three states, it will be very convenient for us,” he added. “Nobody should be concerned about the election; we are prepared for it, and we will begin deployment very soon.”According to Egbetokun, the police purposely chose to hold their yearly retreat in one of the states where the election would be held.
“The conference would be two weeks before the election, so it is planned and not by chance that we chose that state and that date. “It is to show the people that we are ready for the election, so there is no fear about the election,” he stated.
He stated that the country’s internal security situation has been reasonably peaceful over the last month, despite the fears of political and socioeconomic turmoil that accompanied the removal of gasoline subsidies and post-election tribunal decisions around the country.
“In comparison, we have recorded fewer violent crimes and other major offences across the country.”
“We are all aware of recent government efforts to stimulate economic recovery and growth through local and international engagements with investors and technocrats.”
“The Nigeria Police Force stands ready to support the government’s efforts by providing the necessary security and enabling environment for all legitimate businesses and other economic activities in Nigeria,” he said.
He stated that the force would leave no stone unattended and would remain vigilant in ensuring that it played its part effectively in the nation’s efforts towards economic recovery, progress, and social and political development.
“As a result, all command commissioners of police and other tactical commanders are hereby directed to ensure that adequate security is established and maintained in their areas of responsibility.”
“Any attempt by unscrupulous person(s) to sabotage the economic revival that our country is about to witness will be met with stiff opposition from all of us,” he declared.