One of the roles that every responsible government takes delight in is the protection of her citizens’ lives and properties. Nigeria as a country has never relented as it has been known as a country with high regards for security concerns.
Through the various security operatives like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Federal Road Safety Commission (NFRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense (NSCDC), The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) etc., the lives and properties of every average Nigerian is said to be 70% secured even among all odds and mishaps.
In Kogi state, the case is not different as proper security measures have become one of the major concerns of the present administration. The protection of the people’s lives and properties in Kogi state at all times has over the last three years been uphold with high regard; this is seen through the notable operations of the security personnel and the selfless services of the three tiers constituting the Lugard House. This, the people of Kogi state have said to be a confirmation of one of the statements made by the incumbent governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello during his inaugural speech in January 2016.
In his words, His Excellency explicitly stated that “security is a huge concern across Kogi state as we step into Office, in particular the dastardly and twin scourges of armed robbery and kidnapping. I therefore acknowledge with pleasure the Commissioner of police and Heads of every security Agency in Kogi state. Gentlemen, I shall be meeting with you soon to fashion out modalities to rid Kogi state of insecurity. Please have forceful and actionable proposals for me when we meet. I promise you every support that this Administration can give”.
Surprisingly, to some extent, the security operatives have been trending on that lane to ensure that the security mandate of this present administration does not go down the drain. At such, the society is fully aware that the Commissioner of police in Kogi state, Mr. Hakeem Busari and his colleagues have really been working hard in ensuring that adequate plans and strategies in tackling crimes and insecurity especially in the forth coming election work out well.
In a report given by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on 10th of October, 2019, it was reported that, the Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris, represented by DIG Operations, Abdulmajid Ali, said at the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) Kogi stakeholders meeting that the Nigeria Police Force has deployed 25,000 police for the November 16 polls in the state.
According to Idris, the police are ready for the election and will ensure free, fair and credible poll in the state. In his words, he said, “the name Kogi is synonymous with violence but we are ready, we will provide level playing ground to all candidates and remain impartial. Officers have been trained, so we want you to support us to provide the level playing ground to all because of recent, we observed clashes between some parties; we have taken notice of some of the flashpoints and we will be serious in these areas”. (Source: NAN)
However, we must recommit and remind the Commissioner, his colleagues and other security operatives in Kogi state that after God, the precious lives and properties of Kogi state during and after the forth coming governorship election in the state are in their hands; their plans, strategies and mode of operations in dealing with issues and the citizens during and after the election can either make or mar the security status-quo of the state.
Mr. Commissioner and all other security operatives in the state must know that 60% of the fate and believability of the forth coming November 16 poll lies in their hands and as such, they must not fail Kogites and Nigeria as a whole. Therefore, it becomes important that a bell of reminder should be sounded by revisiting and revealing to Mr. Commissioner and his colleagues the vision and mission of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) which is their core values and oath of service to their fatherland, so as to reequipped them and also guide them in planning and redrafting of strategies and mode of execution.
Revisiting the vision, mission and code of conduct for the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) it is clearly stated that the primary responsibilities of a Police Officer is to act as an official representative of government who is required and trusted to work within the law. The officer’s powers and duties are conferred by statute. The fundamental duties of a police officer include serving the community, safeguarding lives and property, protecting the innocent, keeping the peace and ensuring the rights of all to liberty, equality and justice. This the police must do to make Nigeria safer and more secure for economic development and growth.
It has also been stated explicitly that the police is expected to partner with other relevant Security Agencies and the public in gathering, collating and sharing information and intelligence with the intention of ensuring the safety and security of the country, participate in efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of crimes while ensuring that any criminal act is investigated so as to bring the criminals to justice in a fair and professional manner, deliver quality police service that is accessible to the generality of the people, build a people’s friendly Police Force that will respect and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens and above all, protect and uphold the rights of persons and to be impartial and respectful in the performance of Police duties.
Going forward, Police officers on electoral duties have a responsibility of ensuring that peaceful conditions are maintained at the polling and collating centres during elections, and that citizen’s exercise of their franchise is carried out without fear of coercion, intimidation, violence or manipulation. To effectively discharge these functions, the police must be on the alert and approachable. Also, the police must maintain professionalism; he or she must be friendly and impartial, he or she must be neatly dressed with an Identity Card (ID) and must be fair and just.
Furthermore, every police officer should know that every voter has right to life, physical and psychological integrity. It is unlawful for a police officer to use excessive force in dealing with voters. Force should only be used when necessary to restore law and order, prevent violence or injury to life or limb and should always be proportional to lawful objectives in order not to encourage voters apathy and political degradation.
More so, every police officer on election duty is expected to have a good working knowledge of the electoral law, especially the section on the electoral offenses, which he or she is obliged to enforce.
In conclusion, the society hopes that Mr. Commissioner and every other security operatives in Kogi will keep the flag flying and not disappoint the citizens. To this end, I thereby appeal to every citizens of Kogi state to remain calm and be hopeful; be patriotic, conduct themselves properly before, during and after the forth coming November 16th poll, in order to promote peace and unity.
Following the popular English proverb that says “the darkest hours are just before dawn” shows that Kogi state is closer to the promise land than before; as election is at the corner, we must remind ourselves and have the beautiful mandate of our dear state at heart, and this must be carefully done by doing the needful at the poll as we elect the most credible pilot we think can best represent our interest and help pilot the socio-economic and political affairs of our dear state to the promise land.
– Onipe Ozovehe Moses
400 Level, Mass Communication Department,
Kogi State University, Anyigba.
