…Bans all quassi security operatives from campaigns
By Hassan Zaggi
As the campaigns for the 2023 general election commences in the next few days, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has charged men and officers of the Force to remain neutral, professional and also ensure that they are fair to all.
He gave the charge at a meeting with top officers of the Force from Commissioners (CPs) upward in Abuja, on Thursday.
The IGP, however, warned all miscreants and trouble makers to ensure that their days are numbered and that the Force is firmly prepared to tackle them before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
Addressing the officers, the IGP said: “We are expected to maintain an oath of neutrality in accordance with the Electoral Act; be always at alert during our electoral security deployments; exhibit a high degree of professionalism and fairness in our dealings with all parties.
“We are also expected to adopt a professional orientation that emphasises democratic values, and respect for human rights and dignity, while being mindful of the duty imposed on us by the law to protect all electorates against illegal acts and dispense our duties without discrimination.”
IGP Baba further reiterated that: “As critical actors in the electoral process, the outcome of the credibility of the 2023 general election will be measured by the extent to which we abide by these professional and legal standards as well as the nature of our decisions and actions as we interface with political parties in emplacing appropriate machineries to guarantee a peaceful electioneering campaign process.
“We must leave no citizen in doubt of our commitment to national peace and security, as well as our unwavering determination to advance the democratic and national security interests of our beloved nation.
“The 2023 general election and the processes leading to it will certainly put us to test in this regard. Drawing on our widely commended performances in recent elections, however, I am very confident, and I trust that you shall not fail both the Police institution and the country in the upcoming electoral engagements.”
He, therefore charged the men and officers of the Force to note the following as the campaign by political partners kicks off: “Familiarize yourself fully with the Electoral Act and the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty and situate all your decisions and actions within them as well as your legal obligations under the Constitution, Nigeria Police Act, and other extant laws; note and be strictly guided by the fact that all quasi-security outfits that were established by the various State governments and local communities and which are operating under different nomenclatures, structures, and orientations have no legal roles under the Electoral Act 2020 and within the electoral process.
“Hence, you are charged to ensure that they are not in any way or manner utilised by any political or community actor for any role during the electioneering campaign and other electoral processes in the countdown to the 2023 general elections.
“Such will amount to acts in illegality, and a potent threat to national security which could be inimical to our nation’s democratic interest.”
He directed the CPs to ban all quassi security operatives in their various states from participating in electioneering campaigns other political activities.
“Convey the decision banning all quasi-security outfits in the various States and local communities from electioneering campaigns and other politically related activities to your State Governors, Local Government Chairmen, Community Leaders, and leaderships of all political parties in your Commands for their guidance.
“In so doing, it should be clearly emphasised to them that any unauthorised quasi-security agent found to be engaging in any election or political activities stands the risk of being arrested and prosecuted along with their collaborators.”
The IG further charged the CPs to: “Redirect their intelligence activities to monitor possible elements that might be attempting to threaten the electioneering campaign process, promptly isolate them, and frustrate their illegal and undemocratic intentions.
“Ensure that you upscale your deployments to dominate the public space to ensure that criminal elements do not take advantage of the active political space to manifest their criminal intents.”
