Elections: Assistant Inspector General charges Gombe Police to remain impartial

The Assistant Inspector General of Police assigned for the 2023 Election Duties for Zone 12, comprising Bauchi and Gombe State, AIG Abubakar Yahaya has admonished the Police in Gombe said to display fairness and impartiality in the 2023 elections in the state.

AIG Yahaya said during a lecture to sensitize officers of the Gombe State Police Command, that the most important role of the police during elections was to ensure that the people are provided with an environment that was conducive for fair and peaceful elections.

He said it was important for the police officers to maintain neutrality, objectivity and impartiality, specifically urging them not to fraternize with any political party official, so as not to jeopardize the process.

“Any evidence or indication that a police officer on election duty has shown bias or prejudice to one political party or another, in any form whatsoever, has the potential to undermine the integrity of the entire process,” said AIG Yahaya.

He said this is important to avoid the conduct of the police being misinterpreted in some quarters as supportive of one political party or the other.

“They must any conduct that must be seen as being as high-handed, unfair or politically motivated. And an officer’s actions if viewed as excessive or unfair, could lead to violence or aggressive reactions from the public,” he added.

He said every individual must be treated equally, irrespective of the person’s standing in society so that everyone will exercise his/her franchise and go.

AIG Yahaya said police officers while carrying out their duties during elections must do so with the utmost regard for the fundamental human rights of the people, by avoiding the use of excessive force, in dealing with voters, which was capable of driving away eligible voters.

He, however, said the force was only necessary to restore law and order and prevent violence and injury to life and property, but that the person arrested should not be subjected to any form of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment.

Overall, AIG Yahaya said police officers on election duty must ensure the success of Nigeria’s democracy by creating an environment conducive to the smooth conduct of the elections in February and March.

“So, the message of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba is that we must ensure that we, as personnel of the Nigeria Police Force discharge our duties professionally, with integrity and credibility.” 

He said police officers must be prompt in responding to issues, by being on high alert to avert escalation of ugly incidences that could lead to the disruption of the election processes.

According to him, the actions taken by the police officer must be in compliance with the directives of the Presiding officer.

AIG Yahaya said the police on election duty must be professional and courteous, while still being accessible and approachable to voters who may need his assistance, which would gain public trust.

He, however, cautioned the Police in Gombe that any officer found wanting would face disciplinary actions and sanctions alone and not allow his/her action to affect the entire police.

The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Oqua Etim, welcomed the AIG and encouraged the senior police officers to pay attention to the AIG and take notes of his lecture, the knowledge of which they would apply during the election to ensure a credible outcome of the elections.

PIAK