The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has directed state Commissioners of Police (Cps) to hasten investigations into all cases of violence against the 2022 Electoral Act recorded during the February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections in the country.
The IGP has also directed the police commissioners to submit the report of the outcome of their investigations to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for possible prosecution.
The IGP, who gave the order in Abuja, equally called on the public to collaborate with the police and other law enforcement agencies tasked with election security management, to ensure a hitch-free security architecture for all and sundry, particularly the electorates, accredited observers, INEC officials and materials, so that all citizens can exercise their franchise without molestation, harassment and security threats.
The IGP, in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, said: “The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has directed commissioners of police in charge of State Commands to ensure that investigations in all cases of violations against the 2022 Electoral Act during the February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly electioneering process are swiftly concluded and the case files forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for prosecution.
“In a bid to ensure all-inclusive election security management and accord Nigerians benefits/leverage of active participation, to achieve free, fair, and credible gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly elections on March 18, 2023, the IGP has tasked strategic police managers to engage stakeholders in their respective jurisdictions through town hall meetings and other viable avenues.
“The Inspector-General of Police has, therefore, urged well-meaning members of the public to collaborate with the police and other law enforcement agencies tasked with election security management, to ensure a hitch-free security architecture for all and sundry, particularly the electorates, accredited observers, INEC officials and materials, so that all citizens can exercise their franchise without molestation, harassment and security threats.”
