The Nigeria Police Force says policemen going with Very Important Persons to the polling centres on the rescheduled February 23 and March 9 elections will have themselves to blame.
The Nigeria Police Force had directed last week police escorts to withdraw from accompanying their bosses to the polling units to avoid unpleasant consequences- suspension or dismissal.
As such, police escorts attached to different government functionaries in the country are stripped of the function of going with their bosses to the polling centres.
Speaking with ChannelsTv reporter on Friday, Frank Mba, the police spokesperson said the essence of withdrawing them is to maximise resources in that they would be re-deployed to different areas to help INEC in conducting free, fair and credible elections.
Mba, an assistant commissioner of police, said allowing escorts to go with their bosses would have given some of them the temerity to foment trouble.
He defended that the action was to checkmate the impunity of some political office holders who could use the police escorts to harass and intimidate their opponents or coerce the voters on the elections day to do their wish.
The police image maker said some government functionaries such as the President, Vice President, Governors or Deputy Governors, among others would be allowed to go with a police orderly and after voting they must retire to their houses to wait for the outcome of the elections.
Mba, however, regretted that that during the elections period, the force would infringe on the movement- the fundamental human right of Nigerians who do not have any business to do with the day.
According to him, there would be restriction of movement of people except observers or people cleared by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, or voters armed with their Permanent Voters Cars may be allowed to go about their lawful duty.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari in a national broadcast on Friday, February 22, 2019 announced tomorrow, the polls open. Tomorrow, we affirm that Nigeria stands as a democracy and that no worldly hand can deter us from this wise and fitting path we have chosen for ourselves.
Buhari said “While democracy is the most beneficial way to select a nation’s leaders, it is far from the easiest thing to achieve and maintain.
“It requires a combination of patience, tolerance, compassion, diligence, wisdom and hope. These traits exist in us the Nigerian people. Because of who we are, democracy has the chance to flourish in this land.
“Thus, I commend all of you for your patience and peaceful conduct so far during this electoral season and especially during this intervening week following the postponement of the February 16 elections.
“Many were worried and thought the worst might happen. You proved them wrong by showing that you are a great people with an abiding love for peace, democracy and the unity of our country.”
The President recalled that according to daily INEC public briefings given this week, the Electoral Commission says it is ready and fully prepared to conduct the election in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“I believe INEC realises the profound and weighty duty that rests upon it.
“We must cast aside doubt and have faith that INEC will rise to the occasion. We must believe and encourage INEC to fulfill and honour this responsibility it owes to our country.
“As your President, I hereby ask all Nigerians with voting cards to participate in defining the future of our nation by exercising your democratic rights tomorrow. I urge you to go out and vote.
“I say this because elections are the cornerstone of representative governance. And voting constitutes the highest and best expression of the sovereign will of the people to choose the government that best represents them.
“It is only upon the freely expressed will of the people that government truly dedicated to the welfare, rights and interests of the people can be founded.
“Do not allow anyone to discourage you from the exercise of your rights as citizens and voters tomorrow,” he said.
According to him, “To vote means that you believe in Nigeria and the excellent things the future holds for this nation and its people.
“No matter our political leanings, we all believe in Nigeria, in the noble principles for which it stands and in the values we strive for our beloved nation to uphold.
“All who are able, must vote so that we may better perfect this democracy and continue to build the greater nation we seek.
“Do not be afraid of rumours of violence and unrest. Our security agencies have worked diligently to ensure that adequate security measures are in place.
“You will be able to vote in an atmosphere of openness and peace, devoid of fear from threat or intimidation.
“International and domestic monitors and observers are assured of their safety and freedom of movement needed to perform their important functions.
“As we thank domestic monitors and observers for their contributions to our democracy, we also thank the international groups for the friendship and concern they have demonstrated to our nation.
“We appreciate their efforts in encouraging us to further entrench and strengthen our democracy.
“Tomorrow is an encounter with history in which you, the people, shall affirm your collective belief in our national greatness and in our future.
“I ask that you embrace and hold on to the importance of the moment soon to be upon us.”
“Honour your civic duty as voters by going to the polls tomorrow to vote for the government of your choice, for the government that will lead Nigeria toward its finest destiny.
“As citizens there is no greater duty than this and no greater honour. Tomorrow, I know you will once again make Nigeria proud of its people,” he added.
