Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, President Muhammadu Buhari reminded the leadership of the Nigerian Police of the high standards that are expected of them.
The president remarked while commissioning Critical Operational Assets acquired by the Nigeria Police Force at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
While praising the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, for advancing the administration’s Police Reform Agenda and for the several initiatives he had introduced to the Force, President Buhari also reminded him of the expectations.
” 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 elections, but guarantee the credibility of the exercise.
“In this task, I call on the Inspector General of Police 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.”
Reiterating the importance of an effective and responsive police force in advancing democracy and the core principles of the Police Reform and Re-equipping Agenda, which this administration has zealously pursued, President Buhari said.
“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,” President Buhari said.
During the Council of State meeting on Friday, February 10, he reaffirmed his commitment to leaving the country with a viable democratic culture and conveyed his pleasure with the IGP’s brief.
“My pledge is to bequeath to the nation a democratic culture in which the police will not only be apolitical and impartial during the 2023 General Elections, but also one in which the process will be peaceful and secure and the outcome truly reflective of the free will of the citizens.”
He continued by expressing his happiness that the assets he was commissioning were being acquired at the same time as his goal.
The current Inspector General of Police and his management team’s dedication to the Police Reform of this administration is evidenced by notable activities and projects carried out, including the recent commissioning of an ultra-modern Police Headquarters and a well-equipped Hospital in Yobe State, which the president used the occasion to praise.
He commanded the police to uphold their promises to the nation and the terms of their service vows.