DIG Nwobodo Visits Plateau Police Command, Charges them to be Patriotic

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the North Central for the 2019 Presidential elections, DIG Godwin O. Nwobodo has called on men and officers on election duty to be patriotic in discharging their responsibilities during the election period.

The DIG who is in charge of Zone VI arrived the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Jos around 8:30am on Friday to the waiting hands of the guard of honour and the leadership of the Command led by the Commissioner of Police, Isaac Olutayo Akinmoyede.

While delivering his speech, CP Akinmoyede welcomed the DIG in charge of the Presidential election, to Plateau State Command.

He apprised the DIG of developments in the state which included training of officers on election duty, engagements with various stakeholders, and DPOs lecture held on Friday when he reported to the Command. He noted that the DPOs were briefed on their roles regarding this general election.

He stated further that, “deployment started yesterday. Men have been deployed to most places. Yesterday, electoral materials arrived and distribution commenced immediately. I know you have message for officers and men. Let me handover to you to deliver the message.”

While addressing the officers and men of the Force, DIG Nwobodo said, “I am impressed. I know that election in Plateau state will be successful. I know your CP. When I I was coming down from the staircase at the Police Force Hq, I met him and he told me that he has been posted to Plateau state and I have no doubt he would succeed.”

He noted that from all the Commands he has been to, Plateau State Police Command was the best.

He said that North Central is a major portion of Nigeria. “I’m leaving here to proceed to kwara. The last of the states in North Central. I want you to go now and ensure that this election is held freely and fairly. I just want to sensitise you.

“I have a background in law. A lawyer that doesn’t know jurisprudence is like a carpenter.

“As an officer, you must know the roles of the Police in election management.

He noted that during colonial era, “they did send us rulers from Britain and our heroes past demanded for self governance as a result of independence.

“If we are not independent, we wouldn’t have this privilege. You must be patriotic. Ensure you are not influenced wrongly. Jesus said Christian should celebrate our Lord’s supper and you do it in my remembrance. Our heroes past are not here so the best is to keep Nigeria intact. You must be civil minded and patriotic. The highest office is to be a citizen. Be proud, this is my country. This is my nation. Defend its integrity. Go out with this mind and you will discover you will do well in the election. Remember the labour of our heroes past and do well to honour them to tell the world that we are ready to govern ourselves well.

“Our election should not be a war but celebration of independence. It should be an occasion for celebration because we have the privilege we have.”

He instructed men and officers to make sure that they collected the result of the election at the Polling Unit. He noted that other security agencies only plays supportive role during elections. He encouraged them to ensure that things go well and bring report.

He said, “Be firm, civil, respect peoples rights. Protect them. Go out and make this election not only free, fair and credible but a joyous one.

While taking questions from the officers and men, he said that all election allowance payments have been made and that those that have not received bank alert would get it as their banks may be having challenges. “It may be as a result of the electronic transfer. It will drop.” He noted.

While speaking with journalists, Nwobodo said more 8000 security agents were deployed for the Presidential election in he state.

While meeting with various stakeholders at the Officers Mess in Jos, the DIG told them to warn their wards who are underaged not to come close to the Polling Units, “else, they would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.”