Anambra Election: You Must Remain Apolitical, IGP Tells Squadron Commanders

IGP Usman Alkali Baba speaking during the event. Photo: Facebook/Nigeria Police Force

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has asked Squadron Commanders to remain apolitical as the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State draws closer.

IGP Alkali gave the charge on Wednesday during his maiden meeting with Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

“You must remain apolitical while being ruthless with violent elements and ill-guided political thugs that may wish to test our common will to deliver a transparent and credible electoral outcome,” the police chief added.

He also called for cooperation with other security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I charge you to cultivate the spirit of teamwork and inter-agency cooperation, knowing that you will operate side-by-side with other sister security agencies and officials of INEC,” he noted.

‘Securing Democratic Values’

The IGP says the police is committed to ensuring a free and fair poll in Anambra. Photo: Facebook/Nigeria Police Force.

The IGP also expressed confidence that the police operatives would excel in the assignment just as they have done well in previous operations. He directed them to deal with violent elements that may want to undermine the election.

He added: “As you are aware, the Anambra State Gubernatorial Election will be held on 6th of November, 2021. The election security action plan will, as usual, revolve around units of the Mobile Police Force.

“The import of this is that the task of securing our democratic values and guaranteeing a safe, secure and credible electoral process in Anambra State will rest squarely and majorly on some of you, the Squadron Commanders here seated and some of your units.

“Most of your operatives will be deployed to deter subversive elements that are planning to threaten the process, while others will be deployed to secure personnel and materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as other critical national infrastructure.”

The IGP appealed to them not to let the Force and indeed the entire nation down in what he described as a critical national assignment.

On training, the police chief re-emphasized that the repositioning of the Police Mobile Force is “one of my police leadership agenda”.

According to him, PMF under his leadership will in due course, be re-organized, adequately equipped, trained and re-oriented with the goal of re-situating it within its original concept.