From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Nigerian police to remain apolitical as the country prepares for general election.
The president, who spoke during the opening ceremony of the police conference and retreat in Owerri, Imo State, yesterday, acknowledged that a lot have been invested into the election for it to be truncated.
“My administration will leave a legacy of free, fair and transparent election. I remain steadfast to this commitment.”
He, therefore, noted that with the retreat, the police would play a lead agency in the success of the election.
“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.”
President Buhari also assured of his administration to sustain repositioning of the police force especially its welfare. He recalled the approved better salary for the force, funds for the upkeep of the constabularies and the Nigeria Police Academy Bill as some of his concerted efforts towards improving the force’s welfare.
Top government officials in attendance at the event included Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, represented by Alkali Modibbo.
•Sad over 141 deaths in India’s bridge collapse
Following news that at least 141 people have perished after a bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi collapsed Sunday night, President Buhari has sent his sincere condolences to the government and people of India.
According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, he noted that apart from those who died, 177 of the 500 have been saved and teams are searching for several others who are still missing.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria I wish to express my profound sorrow and sincere sympathy to the Prime Minister, families of the deceased, and the people of India following this tragic incident,” he said.