The Commissioner of Police in Edo state, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, has said that the 2019 general elections will subject the professionalism and commitment to duty of security agencies to national and international scrutiny.
Odumosu said this on Wednesday in Benin at a Peace Accord and stakeholders meeting, ahead of the February general elections.
This is even as he said that the blood of every Edo State citizen is “more precious than the election.”
He said, “One thing is certain, election will come and go, but Edo state will continue to remain thereafter. Consequently, the blood of every Edo state citizen is more precious than the election.
“And we definitely do not need to lose anybody or group in order to clinch to power. This is the time to get it right, so that we can prove to the world that Edo state can set the pace for a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in Nigeria.
“Election is no war and should not be seen as war. Always remember that in any contest, there must be losers and winners. Thus, we must prepare our minds and resolve that we shall go into this contest in the spirit of sportsmanship.
“The Command under my watch will do everything humanly possible to remain neutral, apolitical, firm and professional. The Police will provide a level playing ground for all the political parties in the state.
“This is my irrevocable pledge and I promise to ensure its full realization in the forthcoming elections.
“There is no doubt that, the 2019 elections will be a great test that will subject our professionalism and commitment to duty, to national and International scrutiny.
“The world is watching us and we promise not to let them down. I hereby assure the good people of Edo state in unequivocal terms that we are fully prepared for the election as every arrangement has been put in place to ensure that the elections would be free, fair credible and most important of all, peaceful.
“We shall leave no stone unturned towards achieving this lofty objective.”
The CP told the gathering that the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has emplaced strategic action plans to police the general elections.
He disclosed that the Police High Command, as part of the preparation for the election has initiated training program on capacity building, on democratic policing and election security management for officers and men.
Odumosu added that the training program and capacity building initiated at the police high command has been replicated at the command level.
He added that he had put in place, elaborate security measures aimed at entrenching and engendering a new dawn in election and electioneering process in his command.
“I am convinced and promise you that his strategic action plans, will not only get us out of the woods but will also reposition the Nigeria Police Force and make her the envy of all,” he said.
