The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu hosted the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room to an interactive session on Monday, September 28, 2020 to discuss election security ahead of the October 10 Ondo State governorship election and implementation of the recently signed Police Act. Situation Room Convener and Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo in his remarks, commended the conduct of Police personnel during the Edo State governorship election and urged the Police to improve on the gains recorded, moving to the election in Ondo State. Nwankwo stated that Police deployment in the upcoming election should be firm but not frightening, in order to curtail violence and instill confidence in the electorate. He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly for the enactment of the new Police Act, calling for relevant reforms within the ranks and file of the Nigeria Police, to reflect the provisions of the law. He also underscored the need to create awareness among citizens on their rights and obligations as contained in the Act.
IGP Adamu gave assurances of a more improved Police conduct in the Ondo State governorship election, while commending the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other election stakeholders in success of the Edo State governorship election. He added that the Police will work towards ensuring that the lapses recorded in Edo do not reoccur in Ondo State. He also applauded the efforts of Civil Society on the passage of a modern and standardised Police Act, which addresses police welfare, human rights protection, community policing among other salient issues. He added that the next step, which is implementation of the Police Act will commence with sensitising and training Police personnel in line with the provisions of the new law. He further expressed the interest of the Nigeria Police to work with Civil Society on different aspects of policing beyond elections.