Date: 2010-12-16

As the country prepares for next year’s general elections, Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki  has advised Nigerians to learn from Ivory Coast’s recent experience and conduct a credible, free and fair elections that would be acceptable to all.

Dr Saraki gave the advice in Ilorin mid-week while receiving the new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Zone 8 which comprises Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti States, Mr Donald Iroham, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House.

He described the crisis that engulfed Ivory Coast after the country’s general election as unfortunate, saying that Nigeria should guide against such occurrence at next year’s election.

Dr Saraki enjoined the police to ensure that electoral offenders no longer go unpunished as that would serve as a bitter lesson to others who might have the same tendency of disrupting election.

He also stressed the need for free and fair elections, noting that only this could guarantee the stability of democratic governance in the country.

The governor therefore appealed to the law enforcement agents to ensure that people were no longer prevented from voting at polling booths which he said had marred previous elections in the past.

The key issue in the country today Saraki said was having a credible election in 2011 and called on police authority to engage enough of its officers and men to provide adequate security ahead of the general election.

While congratulating the new AIG on his recent elevation, the governor expressed confidence in his ability to perform and urged him to bring his past experience to bear in his new assignment.

Dr Saraki assured the AIG of his cooperation and readiness to support the police and work closely with the zone to ensure its success.

Earlier, the visiting AIG, Mr Iroham had thanked Governor Saraki for his assistance to the Police and informed him that series of lectures and seminars have been organized by the Police Force to get its officers and men ready for a successful 2011 polls.

Mr Iroham, who had previously served the State Police Command as its Commissioner told the governor that he was in the State in continuation of his tour of States under zone 8.

He commended Dr Saraki for being a friend of the police and always ready to assist the force and urged him to use his position as chairman of the Governors’ Forum to ensure that the country achieved credibility in its general elections next year.

The AIG also informed the governor that under the on-going new Police Service reforms, all officers are to henceforth write promotion examinations before proceeding to their next ranks with a view to rewarding excellence and ensuring discipline among the rank and file.

Mas’ud Adebimpe
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor
16/12/2010