By Adadainfo
Mr Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), Thursday, ordered operatives of the Nigeria Police to be neutral during the 2023 general elections.
He gave the order in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the conference for Strategic Police Managers.
According to him, “We are also expected to adopt a professional orientation that emphasises democratic values and respect for human rights and dignity.
“As critical actors in the electoral process, the credibility of the 2023 general election will be measured by the extent to which we abide by professional and legal standards.
“It will also be measured by our decisions and actions as we interface with political parties in emplacing appropriate pieces of machinery to guarantee a peaceful electioneering campaign process.
“We must leave no citizen in doubt of our commitment to national peace and security, as well as our determination to advance the democratic and national security interests of the country.
“All quasi-security outfits that were established by the various state governments and local communities, operating under different nomenclatures, structures and orientations have no legal roles in the Electoral Act 2020.
“Hence, you are charged to ensure that they are not in any way or manner utilised by any political or community actor for any role during the electioneering campaign and other electoral processes.
“Such will amount to acts in illegality and a potent threat to national security which could be inimical to our nation’s democratic interest.
“Political Parties’ campaign timetable for each State should be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations for collation.
“The comprehensive layout of the timetable must be forwarded to the office of the IGP, not later than 27 September.
“You must also submit your Election Security Action Plan that will detail your deployment plans for the security of all the venues of the political campaigns as they affect your commands.”
