President Muhammadu Buhari has once again demanded for credible and successful polls noting that the legitimacy of any government can only be determined by the credibility of the elections that ushered them in.

The president made this demand on Monday in a speech he delivered at the opening of a three-day retreat for senior police officers themed: “The Imperative of a Nigerian Police Strategy Plan for Peaceful Elections”. The retreat is holding in Owerri, Imo State.

In attendance at the opening event were the governors of Imo and Yobe states, service chiefs, heads of anti-graft agencies, INEC officials, retired DIGs, AIGs, I-Gs, and traditional rulers, among others.

The President charged the senior police officers that to achieve credible and successful elections in 2023, the police must remain firm and apolitical in their conducts. He urged them to be professional and firm as that will determine the success and the legitimacy of the electioneering process in the country. He further charged the law enforcement officers to discharge their responsibility as expected at the polls.

His words: “As I have often observed, elections are local, and it is only when the votes truly count that the faith of the citizens in the democratic process can be demonstrated and government legitimacy assured. This can best be guaranteed through well policed election and security operations that are impartial, firm and professional.

“This is what, on this day and occasion, I charge the Nigeria Police Force to deliver to the nation during the 2023 general elections.

‘’I, therefore, task the Inspector General of Police to sustain his leadership standards that will guarantee a level playing field, and secure public space for the citizens to freely exercise their franchise, and for the outcome of the elections to be a true reflection of the peoples’ choices.

“My desire is to restore the primacy of the Police towards rebuilding public trust and professionalism. My vision is also to bequeath to the nation a Police Force that is not only modernized, but well-funded, suitably equipped, and appropriately re-oriented to effectively police our democracy and guarantee a stable internal security order under a citizen-led, technology-driven, rule of law guided by intelligence-based policing Models.

‘’I am inspired that by our reform initiatives, we have laid a solid foundation towards the restoration of the operational competence and professional efficiency of the Police. I am also pleased to note that our Police, in conformity to my democratic visions, and in manifestation of the positive impact of these reforms, have in recent times been demonstrating high professional, ethical and operational standards as reflected in their performances in internal security operations and during the recent off-season electoral outings in Edo, Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states.’’

Also speaking, the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, applauded the decision of the police to hold the conference in the state. He further stated his assurance of security in the state. “There is no doubt in my mind that hosting these events will help to reassure both residents and visitors that Imo State is safe again for businesses and tourism.

“I believe that the presence of the top bars of the police and other security forces in the state will help fortify our security and safety as a people,”

Welcoming the president and dignitaries to the event, Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police commended President Buhari for his support and approval of all his requests in ensuring safety of lives and property in the country. He also noted that the retreat would enable participants to discuss issues relating to the role of the police and internal security process towards ensuring a peaceful, secure, free, fair, and credible 2023 general elections.

“This retreat will unveil the strategic plan for the 2023 election. Our plans for the election will produce a credible election in 2023 that will be acceptable to Nigerians.
The countdown to the 2023 general elections may present new security threats. However, we will provide the needed intelligence to make the election work.”

In his remarks, Mahmoud Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) noted that the commission and the police are in cordial relationship to ensure free and fair elections. He further warned political parties to stick to the stipulated rules given by the electoral body.

His words: ” This retreat’s theme is apt, with elections fast approaching. As we speak, it remains four months to the 2023 elections. The relationship with the police will be from the bottom to the top. It is a symbiotic relationship, especially now with a voter projection of 93 million across the 36 states of the federation.

“Police require the collaboration of the members of the public. In addition, I am happy that this conference includes complying with the global standard in the security of elections.Political parties should play by the rules. Parties should concentrate on the issue-based campaign.

“No more use of incident form; Ekiti state election was good. The Osun state election was better. The 2023 election will be the best; the results will be transmitted from the polling unit to the headquarters of the INEC. The commission will work with the police to conduct this election for credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor also pledged to give greater support to the Nigeria Police in tackling internal security in the country, especially during the 2023 general elections.

The Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Dingyadi, also pleaded with the Nigeria Police to see the persistent call for creation of state police as a persuasive desire on the federating units to enjoy more robust policing.