The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has called on officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to be apolitical before, during and after the next general election.
The IG gave the warning during a visit to the Kogi State Police Command headquarters in Lokoja on Monday.
He said: “Let me throw out a note of caution to everyone: be apolitical before, during and after the upcoming elections. You should not allow yourself to use your head, because after the elections you will be fired.’
“You have the duty and responsibility to defend the Constitution and protect the lives and property of citizens; you cannot fail in the performance of these tasks.’
The IG promised to look into the challenges faced by the police, especially constables, with a view to providing an enabling environment that would bring out the best in them.
Kogi government says politicians are planning trouble
Meanwhile, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has vowed that politicians will not allow the state to return to the era of crime and criminality.
The governor was speaking on Monday while hosting the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, who visited him at his Lugard House office, Lokoja.
He said: “We are in possession of credible intelligence reports that some political elements are fomenting trouble during and after the general elections; this administration will not allow insecurity to be smuggled into Kogi through the initiation of politics.’
Earlier, Baba described Bello as a tough crime fighter who made the state dangerous for criminals.
“I have never heard him cry about not having control of security in his state. Because it is able to synergize and cooperate with all security agencies, as well as lead from the front. Safety is everyone’s concern. When you have a leader who is leading the way, others will follow. That is what is happening in Kogi,” the IG said.
