As part of its build-up towards the observations of the gubernatorial elections in Kogi & Bayelsa States, the Situation Room met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Thursday, 15th October 2015 to discuss the Police’s preparation and strategy for the elections.
The Situation Room congratulated the professionalism of the Inspector General of Police and the efforts of the police leadership in fostering respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Situation Room team was led by its Convener, Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director, PLAC and included Festus Okoye (Human Rights Monitor, Kaduna), Tunji Lardner (WANGONET), Obo Effanga (Action Aid Nigeria), Benson Olugbuo (CLEEEN Foundation) and Agianpe Ashang (PLAC/Situation Room Secretariat).
The Situation Room also commended the efforts of the security agencies, especially the Police, during the 2015 general elections and hoped that the improvements would be consolidated in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections of Kogi and Bayelsa States scheduled for November 21 and December 5 respectively. The Situation Room also urged the IGP to ensure that the welfare of police officers on election duty is well taken care of to ensure their commitment and dedication to work.
The IGP assured the Situation Room of the Police’s preparedness for the elections in Kogi & Bayelsa States. He pointed out that sufficient intelligence and information had been gathered and shared amongst security agencies for the effective monitoring and countering of the threats to the security of the election as well as the lives and properties of Nigerians.
Furthermore, the IGP stated that the Police was open and eager to partner with civil society in ensuring secured, free and fair elections. Thus, he was of the opinion that the effective synergy of all stakeholders would be key to successful gubernatorial elections in Kogi & Bayelsa State free from violence and fraud.
