… As IGP Thumbs Up Police Officers, Others Over Smooth Elections In Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi States
.. Assures Prompt Investigation Of Infractions, Sanctioning Of Officers Found Complicit, Violating Directives
Ayuba Sanusi
THREE Police officers arrested by soldiers and handed over to the Police authority for escorting a VIP contrary to directives will face disciplinary measures as a consequence of their action.
Making this known today is the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. According to him, others who were arrested by election officers escorting VIPs during the polls will also be sanctioned as such actions are against established protocols,
ACP Adejobi while quoting the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun as commending all police officers, the military and operatives of other security agencies involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states noted that the commitment and due diligence displayed by the security operatives in policing the electoral process was highly productive and commendable.
The IGP, he stated, emphasized that the electoral process in the three states transpired seamlessly, defying earlier threat assessments and projected challenges from various quarters. The IGP, the Police spokesman stresses, acknowledges the exceptional efforts of the security personnel in maintaining law and order, safeguarding the electoral process, and ensuring the safety of citizens.
“The IGP, however, notes with concern, pockets of incidences that occurred during the elections and charged the Electoral Offences Desk Officers, under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, to commence immediate investigations into these incidences.
“Furthermore, in Kogi State, it has been confirmed that three officers who were arrested by soldiers and handed over to the Police were indeed police personnel but were found to be escorting a VIP contrary to directives.
“Others who were arrested by election officers escorting VIPs during the polls will also be sanctioned as such actions are against established protocols, and the officers involved will face disciplinary measures as a consequence.”
ACP Adejobi, further quotes the IGP as expressing gratitude to all security agencies involved in the collaborative effort to secure the elections, even as he called on officers to remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties, while emphasizing the importance of adherence to guidelines, rule of law and standard operating procedures of their agencies for more secure democratic institution in Nigeria.
Eighteen-Eleven Media