IGP: “We Will Defend Our Democracy At All Costs”

….. Says Inauguration will hold successfully

The Inspector General of Police has vowed to defend Nigeria’s Democracy as he sternly warns all political actors with subversive agenda and their collaborators, particularly, their foot soldiers who they are exposing to political radicalization and extremism to, henceforth, jettison their ongoing premeditated attempts to create tension within the national space with intention of derailing the 29th May 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.

IGP Usman Alkali Baba made the warning on Monday while addressing the media at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He said any such persons, regardless of their political affiliations who continuously engage in acts that are inimical to the nation’s democratic and security interests should not be in doubt of the firm determination of the Nigeria Police under his watch to closely collaborate with the law enforcement family and the intelligence community to defend Nigeria’s democracy, keep the internal security order stable and optimally deploy its common unique assets towards guaranteeing the successful conduct of the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.

“Consequently, I assure the citizens that our loyalty to our democratic and political order remains firm and unwavering. We will defend our democracy at all costs. The 29th May 2023 date for the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed, other inauguration ceremonies at national and State levels is.

“The constitutional mandates of the Nigeria Police include the security governance of the processes leading to the inauguration of elected candidates at all levels and the guarantee for the successful conduct of the inauguration events. We shall undertake this task optimally and manifestly. Anybody that stands in the way will be identified, promptly isolated, and brought to deserved justice in the overriding interest of our national security and stable political order, IGP said.

He called on citizens to be mindful of the antics of political elements who may want to manipulate their political passion to advance parochial, undemocratic, and unconstitutional objectives.

“They should resist such, go about their lawful businesses, and prepare to be part of the advancement of our democratic journey as patriotic citizens by freely participating in the inauguration ceremonies, assured that the Nigeria Police have acquired adequate assets to guarantee their protection.

“They are also encouraged to promptly report any attempts by the misguided political elements to infiltrate their ranks and engender political tension in the country for appropriate law enforcement response.

He also called on the international community not to be swayed by the ill-informed actions of unpatriotic political actors who may be creating false red flags through social media. He assured them that democracy remains firmly on course, the country’s security order remains stable, and the Presidential inauguration will hold as scheduled under a very peaceful atmosphere.

In conclusion, the IGP appealed to media practitioners to also be weary of the intents of these political gladiators and resist the urge to deploy their credible media outlets to advance their destabilization plots.