Usman Baba Alkali, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has assured that the inauguration ceremony for the President and state governors on May 29, 2023, will be held as planned.
As a result, he has insisted that the police, working with other security agencies, will defend Nigeria’s democracy at all costs.
“The inauguration ceremonies at all the national and State levels of government are a critical constitutional requirement for the sustenance of our political order as a nation, and the Nigeria Police is the duty and legally bound to defend our democratic heritage and the constitutional processes,” the IGP said at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
“As a result, I assure citizens that our commitment to our democratic and political order is firm and unwavering.”
“We will fight for our democracy at any cost.” The date of May 29, 2023, for the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as other national and state inauguration ceremonies, is sacred.”
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As a result, he warned those he described as subversive elements with satanic intentions to desist or face the consequences, as the police and other security agencies will do everything in their power to apprehend them.
“The necessity of peace in our national life cannot be overstated.” At this point in our country’s democratic transition, maintaining peace and security is even more important.
“As a result, while the Nigeria Police, working in collaboration with other security agencies and the intelligence community, continues to closely monitor the activities of these political elements, it has become necessary to make some clear statements.”
“The Nigeria Police hereby sternly warns all political actors with subversive agendas and their collaborators, particularly their foot soldiers who they are exposing to political radicalization and extremism, to abandon their ongoing premeditated attempts to create tension within the national space with the intent of derailing the May 29, 2023, Presidential inauguration ceremony.”
“Secondly, any such persons regardless of their political affiliations, who continue to engage in acts that are inimical to our nation’s democratic and security interests should have no doubt about the Nigeria Police under my command’s firm determination to work closely with the law enforcement family and the intelligence community to defend our democracy, maintain internal security order, and optimally deploy our common unique assets toward ensuring our nation’s democratic and security interests.”
IGP Baba went on to say that the Nigeria Police’s constitutional mandates include security governance of the processes leading up to the inauguration of elected candidates at all levels, as well as ensuring the successful conduct of the inauguration events.
“We will approach this task optimally and clearly.” “Anyone who stands in the way of our national security and stable political order will be identified, promptly isolated, and brought to deserved justice,” he said.
The IGP also warned law-abiding Nigerians to be wary of political elements who may try to exploit their political passion to advance parochial, undemocratic, and unconstitutional goals.
“They should resist such, go about their lawful business, and prepare to be a part of the advancement of our democratic journey as patriotic citizens by freely participating in the inauguration ceremonies, secure in the knowledge that the Nigeria Police have acquired adequate assets to ensure their protection.”
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“They are also encouraged to report any attempts by misguided political elements to infiltrate their ranks and incite political tension in the country as soon as possible for appropriate law enforcement response.”
“Similarly, the international community is encouraged not to be swayed by the ill-informed actions of unpatriotic political actors who may be raising false red flags via social media.” They can be confident that our democracy will remain firmly on course, the country’s security order will remain stable, and the Presidential inauguration will take place as planned in a very peaceful atmosphere.”
