Ahead of the 2019 general election, DIG in-charge of training and development, Force Headquarters, Abuja who is also the supervising DIG in-charge of the South/West for the forthcoming elections, DIG Yakubu Jubrin has assured of the professional conduct of the men of the Nigerian Police force.

He stated this in an exclusive interview with CEOAfrica on Tuesday in Abeokuta, during his tour of the South West geopolitical zone.

According to him, “The Inspector General of Police Abubarkar Mohammed Adamu deployed all the DIGs of Police to the six geopolitical zones.  I am in charge of the South West and I have been going round all the six states that comprise of the South West. I have had series of discussions and interactions with critical stakeholders and police officers right from the rank of Commissioners of Police downwards. Each of the commands I visited, I looked at their deployment arrangements and plans and have seen that there is a very robust security arrangements in place.

“Not only that we also have support from all our sister agencies - the Customs, the Civil defence, the Prison, Immigration, FRSC and Fire service are all on ground to complement our efforts. Therefore, I can tell you that in every polling unit we have not less than three security personnel manning the polling point. The remaining ones are stationed in INEC offices. We have delegated detachment of mobile policemen to safeguard INEC offices, their officials, essential materials and venues of the elections. We have also put township patrol teams much in place for further safety of the people. The arrangements on ground are so better than the 2015 elections. We hereby implore the people to come out and exercise their vote without fear, which is their civic right and responsibility.”

Speaking further on the conduct of the police, DIG Jubrin said, “I have also told the men of the Nigerian Police that no police man should be partisan. We don’t belong to any political party, so neutrality should be our watchword. We must be seen to be very professional particularly at the polling unit. We have already warned our men that nobody would be spared caught doing anything contrary to the laid down rules and regulations before, during or after the election. I am assuring everyone, including the international community that the Police will be very professional and neutral in the conduct of this election.”

He further added that their men are not allowed to come to the polling unit with fire arms; the only weapon that is allowed is the baton.  He concluded by reminding the general public that; “We are not at war. We are to vote, not fight. Let everybody be peaceful. We have made necessary security arrangement for all and sundry.”