By KINGSLEY OMONOBI-ABUJA.

The federal government, Monday, disclosed that the exemplary conduct of the Nigerian Police force and the other security agencies including the military which led to a largely successful election throughout the country during the National Assembly polls will be sustained and improved upon during the remaining elections.

Recall that the Police and military personnel thwarted several efforts at snatching of ballot boxes violently in states like Nasarawa, Enugu, Delta, and Bayelsa among others while arresting several culprits in the process, who will be made to face the law. 

Minister of Police Affairs, Humphrey Enamaku Abbah who made the disclosure, noted however that the security agencies were ready and could do more provided the public carried out their civic duties of providing information on all security threats, as security is a joint responsibility.

A statement signed by James Odaudu, Press Secretary to the minister reads, “After all the permutations and predictions, positive and negative, the first phase of the 2011 general elections have come and gone, and the minister has commended the conduct of the generality of Nigerians in ensuring that the elections were peaceful, free, fair and credible”.

“Of particular note were the professionalism and the very high sense of patriotism with which officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force and, indeed, other security agencies including the Armed Forces went about their duties of ensuring adequate security for all stakeholders in the electoral process which have been hailed by Nigerians and the local and international observers”.

“The sterling performance of the Police officers and the other security agents is a vindication of the federal government’s heavy investments in the training of officers and provision of equipment and other logistics towards ensuring pre and post election security for the nation”.

Continuing Abbah said, “As we prepare for the remaining elections, Nigerians should be rest assured that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to improve on their performances which led to the success of the National Assembly elections”.

He reminded members of the public of their duty to assist the security agencies by providing information on all on security threats, as security is a joint responsibility, pointing out that “It is sad however, to note that in spite of all efforts by the government and the determination of Nigerians to create an atmosphere that is conducive for the conduct of violence-free and fair elections, some misguided and evil-minded Nigerians