The acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed A. Adamu, has said that the 2019 elections were a priority to the leadership of the force, adding that there would soon be deployment of personnel for the polls.
Adamu made the assertion at the official handover ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja.
It could be recalled that he was on Tuesday appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as acting IGP following the retirement of his predecessor, Mr Ibrahim Idris, at the age of 60.
Speaking on the 2019 elections, Adamu noted that the force would work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and sister security agencies for peaceful election.
The acting IGP urged politicians to assist the police and other law enforcement agencies in sustaining the gains recorded in the country’s democratic journey.
He urged them to play politics within the dictates of the rules guiding it.
“On our part, we assure the nation of our determination to play our roles fairly but firmly toward guaranteeing peaceful electoral process.
“We shall not hesitate to deploy our potent asset to deal firmly and decisively with electoral deviants.
“With your support, I am confident that we have the operational capacity to ensure the success of the elections,” he said.
Also the new acting IGP warned officers and men of the force to abstain from unethical conducts capable of tarnishing the image of the force.
He urged the police personnel to join him in the course of changing the narratives of policing the country for good.
The police boss promised to address the issue of welfare of personnel and other reward regimes that had been a problem in the force.
According to him, the absence of this level of leadership has always been the missing link in policing Nigeria.
He said that the lost glory of the force which had remained a concern to governments at all levels and Nigerians would be restored.
“I will provide the highest possible level of professional and responsible leadership to you, while trusting that you shall march hand-in-hand with me as professional colleagues,” he said.
He noted that the upcoming 2019 general elections would be an avenue where professionalism and commitment of the force would be subjected to scrutiny.
He commended the outgone I-G for his professional service to the country.
Earlier, the outgone I-G commended officers and men of the force for their support and commitment to his administration.
He urged them to extend same support and commitment to his predecessor. ( With reports by NAN)
