The Nigeria Police will strengthen the existing relationship with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the success of the 2019 general elections.
Kogi Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, made the statement on Thursday in Lokoja when he received the new Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. James Apam.
Inalegwu told his guest that Kogi was “not hot’’ as being portrayed.
He said that the problem of violence before, during and after elections in the state had been tackled by the police in collaboration with other security agencies.
He said that police was on top of the security concern relating to the ongoing continuos voter registration in Dekina and Ayangba communities.
The Commissioner said the state was at the centre of the country and shares borders with nine states and the FCT.
“This unique position is partly responsible for the security challenge facing the state,’’ he said.
He assured the new REC of the readiness of his command to ensure safety of voters, electoral officials and materials during the 2019 elections.
Inalegwu also promised that the police would provide security for INEC offices in all the 21 local government areas in the state to ensure safety of staff and materials.
Earlier, the new REC Prof. Apam told the police commissioner that INEC was desirous of improving its relationship with the police to sustain and improve on its performance in the 2015 polls.
He attributed the success achieved in the 2015 elections to cooperation among all critical stakeholders, including the police, the media, political parties, politicians and the security agencies.
Apam said that the process leading towards the 2019 elections had started with the ongoing voter registration and urged eligible voters to register.
The REC also visited the state Director of the State Security Service and the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps to seek their support for the INEC. (NAN)
KKA/AEA