By Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has convened an important meeting with political leaders and other stakeholders at Rockview Hotel, Owerri on Thursday, November 2, 2023, to discuss important issues related to election security. The meeting focused on issues related to police deployment, ensuring safe elections and maintaining security for all citizens, serving as a veritable platform for the IGP to assure stakeholders in commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to creating a safe environment for all voters and election participants progress.
The IGP emphasized that the officers deployed for electioneering have undergone rigorous training in election observation, ensuring robust security at polling stations and protecting fundamental rights of all well-meaning members of the public as part of the FNP’s efforts to uphold democratic principles. The IGP calls on all political parties to engage in constructive dialogue and adopt a peaceful atmosphere during the election period to promote a harmonious and peaceful environment for a credible and reliable electoral process success.
The Inspector General of Police emphasized the importance of the people having confidence in the professionalism, objectivity and commitment of the FNP to not interfere in the electoral process, the main objective of the police being to ensure environmental protection. safe and peaceful environment for the election. Stakeholders are assured that the safety of all citizens is the top priority and the police will work hard to maintain peace and protect the election process from any disruption.
The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly; Chief Mike Okiro; Presidents of eight political parties; Traditional rulers led by His Royal Highness Eze Dr EC Okeke, CFR, Eze-Imo of Imo State; IMO State Resident Electoral Commission; religious leaders; Head of the IMO State Security Agency; members of civil society; Youth and student groups.
Likewise, the IGP issued a stern warning to individuals and groups who may consider disrupting the elections, noting that deployed agents have been tasked with taking action be decisive against anyone engaging in illegal activities. . He also reiterated his warning about the use of VIP escort vehicles, sirens and illegal movements on election day.
