The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, yesterday warned officers deployed for the forthcoming general elections to respect the rights of Nigerians.
“We must bear in mind that we must respect the rights of citizens that behave in lawful and acceptable manner and checkmate those who want to do otherwise”, he said.
Baba also called on other security agencies to observe international best practices in policing during the exercise, saying it is expedient citizens are allowed to exercise their franchise.
He spoke in Abuja yesterday at the commencement of a training organised by the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Central Soft Support Services Limited.
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Daily Trust reports that the training which had its theme as: ‘Election Security Management: The Nigeria Police Force in the Face of Rising Incidences of Violence’, had participants drawn from the police and other security agencies.
Baba said the training was organised in view of the responsibilities of defence, intelligence and security agencies to provide an enabling environment for citizens to exercise their franchise.
He said: “It is my hope and belief that we have a very critical role to play bearing in mind that we have issues to contend with as security agencies.
“First, we have to police the election from those who believe that they can behave as adversaries, either because they do not want the election to take place or out to sabotage the process.
“Secondly, we have to also create an enabling environment for Nigerians who want to exercise their franchise to come out and vote for the leaders of their choice.”
