President Muhammadu Buhari, has on Monday, ordered the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba, to ensure a level playing field for all Candidates from the different political parties in the 2023 general elections,
He therefore, charged the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, under the leadership of IGP Baba to remain politically neutral and ensure the country delivers a very successful general elections next year.
He made the call in Owerri, the Imo State capital, while declaring open the 3-day Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers.
According to a statement by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President, he said: ”As I have often observed, elections are local, and it is only when the votes truly count that the faith of the citizens in the democratic process can be demonstrated and government legitimacy assured.
”This can best be guaranteed through a well-policed election and security operations that are impartial, firm and professional.
”This is what, on this day and occasion, I charge the Nigeria Police Force to deliver to the nation during the 2023 general elections.
”I therefore, task the Inspector-General of Police to sustain his leadership standards that will guarantee a level playing field, and secure public space for the citizens to freely exercise their franchise, and for the outcome of the elections to be a true reflection of the people’s choices.
”My desire is to restore the primacy of the Police towards rebuilding public trust and professionalism.
”My vision is also to bequeath to the nation a Police Force that is not only modernised, but well-funded, suitably equipped, and appropriately re-oriented to effectively police our democracy and guarantee a stable internal security order, under a citizen-led, technology-driven, rule of law guided by intelligence-based policing Models.
”I am inspired that by our reform Initiatives, we have laid a solid foundation towards the restoration of the operational competence and professional efficiency of the Police.
”I am also pleased to note that our Police, in conformity to my democratic visions, and in the manifestation of the positive impact of these reforms, has in recent times been demonstrating high professional, ethical and operational standards as reflected in their performances in internal security operations and during the recent off-season electoral outings in Edo, Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States.”