NASS elections: Minister commends police

Posted: Thursday, April 14, 2011

After all the permutations and predictions, positive and negative, the first phase of the 2011 general elections has come and gone, and the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs has commended the conduct of the generality of Nigerians in ensuring that the elections were peaceful, free, fair and credible.
Of particular note was 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.
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 are hell bent on scuttling the electoral process.
The unfortunate incidences of bomb explosions in Suleja and Maiduguri which left some Nigerians dead and many injured while in the service of their fatherland can only be described as dastardly, evil, wicked and condemnable in all ramifications, considering the fact that most of the victims are young Nigerians in whose hands lie the future of this great country.
The authorities of the Police have been directed to do whatever is humanly possible to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous acts are not only apprehended but made to face the full wrath of the law.
Abah also commends the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force on their alertness and gallantry which led to the arrest and detention of some people who attempted to derail the process by snatching ballot materials in a few isolated places.
As we prepare for the remaining elections, Nigerians should rest assured that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to improve on their performances which led to the success of the National Assembly elections. The Minister however reminds 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.

James Odaudu,
Police Affairs Ministry, Abuja.