President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, challenged men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force to use the current security threat to review their strategy in protecting the people.
Buhari said the preparedness of the police would also indicate their capacity to ensure a free and fair election in 2023.
The President, who spoke during the opening ceremony of the police conference and retreat going on in Owerri, the Imo State capital, urged the police to avoid dabbling in politics as the country prepares for the general election.
He said a lot had been invested in the election and nothing should be allowed to truncate it.
He added that the police will function as a lead agency in the success of the election.
Buhari said, “The conference and retreat will allow to discuss police as a lead agency for the election, for a credible 2023 elections, our democracy remains unshakable”.
The President also reiterated his commitment to ensure a credible poll, saying, “My administration will leave a legacy of free ,fair and transparent election, I remain steadfast to this commitment.”
He also assured of his administration to sustain repositioning of the police force, especially its welfare.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma commended the police for hosting the retreat and conference in the state, recalling that the earlier programme by the military recently had justified that the State is totally safe.
He promised to sustain the cordial relationship between his administration and the police and advocated that all candidates for the 2023 elections, irrespective of their parties should undertake an oath to remain non violent throughout the election.
Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, said the retreat is part of the strategy for effective policing and ensure that their constitutional role in ensuring peaceful election
He said the police are reviewing the current security threat raised by the US and assured the citizens of adequate security.