By Kingsley Omonobi

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship and states Houses of Assembly elections, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, has directed all commissioners of police and strategic commanders posted for the gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly election duties to mobilize all resources at their disposal to defend the electorate, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials and sensitive materials during the conduct of the elections on March 11, 2023.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the directive was in furtherance of the meeting held with strategic police managers to discuss and review topical issues and strategies for a more secured electoral process,

“Similarly, the IGP has ordered strategic deployments in accordance with the developed standard operating procedure for polling units to ensure maximum protection against intimidation, harassment, and assault on law-abiding citizens during the electoral process.

“He equally charged all election commanders in various states to take up complaints of intimidation, harassment, and assault reported by individuals/groups for proper investigation.

“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, assures all Nigerians, particularly electorates and INEC officials that the Nigeria Police Force is in synergy with other security agencies to ensure adequate security and protection of fundamental rights nationwide.”