Henry Okonkwo
Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have been urged to be vigilant and remain neutral to ensure everyone plays by the rules at the polls.
This charge was given by the Network of Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN) at a press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Calling on the Acting Inspector General Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, NOPRIN’s national coordinator, Okechukwu Nwanguma, urged him to enthrone a working synergy between the NPF with strategic stakeholders such as INEC officials, the media, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other security agencies at the polling units to provide complimentary elections security services.
“As we draw close to the elections, the Acting IGP and his management team should ensure that zonal and state commands as well as divisional officers are vigilant, operate within established rules of engagement and monitor activities and conducts of political parties, politicians and individuals to ensure that everyone plays by the electoral rules. The police should provide equal security and work with INEC to ensure that anyone who breaches the electoral law during campaigns or during and after the elections is arrested and brought to justice according to the law.
“The police are the guardians of the rule of law. They have the greatest responsibility for safety and security, which enables all stakeholders to play their various legitimate roles in the electoral process and enables eligible citizens to exercise their franchise in a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere that guarantees the credibility of the elections.