Elections: You’re being watched, Buhari tells IGP, service chiefs

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Monday, told the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and military chiefs that Nigerians and the global community are watching them, as they have high expectations of them to provide adequate security in ensuring peaceful conduct of the 2023 general election.

Buhari, who spoke at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, while unveiling critical operational assets procured by the NPF, commended the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, for advancing the police reform agenda of his administration and for several other initiatives he had brought to the Force.

Buhari said, “You should, however, be reminded of my high expectations of your leadership, particularly, in relation to the provision of requisite security that will engender not just stable security space ahead of the general election, but guarantee the credibility of the exercise.

“In this task, I call on the IGP and indeed, all law enforcement agencies that will be complementing the police in the election security process to note that the eyes of the nation and the global community will be on you all.”

The President reiterated the centrality of an efficient and responsive police force in strengthening democracy and the essence of the police reform and the re-equipping agenda which his administration has vigorously pursued.

He added, “We are running a democratic system which is guided by the rule of law, and the police worldwide is recognized as the most symbolic agency within the democratic governance and rule of law process.

“Therefore, any nation that is desirous of deepening her democratic credentials and advancing the course of rule of law must prioritise the efficiency of her police institution.”

(Punch)