The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, has assured Nigerians of the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to adhere to the rule of law for credible, violence-free 2019 general elections.
Fielding questions from journalists, at a Two-day capacity Building Training for Officer and Police Command on Elections Security management, yesterday in Abuja, the Police boss assured that the Force would play by the rules and be fair.
Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of training, DIG Sani Mohammed, commended the FCT Command for taking the initiative to organise capacity building for its officers and men, even as he assured that the training would continue.
The Police boss, who said that there was no reason for Nigerians to be apprehensive about the forthcoming polls, explained that the Force was adjudged to have done their best in the 2015nelections.
According to him, “In the 2015 general elections, the Police and other security agencies were adjudged to have done their best.
“On a smaller scale the elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, Edo came were conducted with minimal complaints off course, however on larger scale, with this type of capacity building and with the resolve of the IGP that the law must be respected no matter whose ox is gored, you can be sure that there will be respect for the rule of law.”
Speaking further he said, “If from the strategic level there is respect for rule of law why will the operational level, the lower cadre, not comply? There is respect for the rule of law. I want to appeal to the members of the public to give us a chance and we will definitely deliver.
“It’s a matter of assurance. So, I assure you that we shall deliver. The apprehension is speculative, there is no need for apprehension,” the Police boss declared.
In his opening remark, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, CP Bala Ciroma, said that: training is designed to enhance the capacity of Police personnel and other security agencies on election security management ahead of the general elections.
“At the end of this training, we expect participants to share this information gathered with their subordinates in their respective division and offices. This will make the Police and other security agencies better prepared for the elections. I wish to suggest that this training should be a continuous exercise and should be an integral part of security preparation for subsequent elections.”
