By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
As campaign for the 2023 general elections kicked off on Wednesday, the Kwara State Police Command has said that it would ensure a level playing field for all political tendencies in the state,
irrespective of party affiliation, region or tribe.
Addressing his maiden press conference in Ilorin, the state capital, on Thursday, new Commissioner of Police Paul Odama emphasised that the police is apolitical.
He added: “The people of the state as a whole are our constituency, hence we promise to discharge our
duties with clear conscience and fear of God.”
Odama disclosed that the police in conjunction with other sister security agencies have concluded plans to emplace adequate security for all political parties to make their campaigns free of any intimidation in all parts of the state.
“The Command is not unaware that, officially, political party
campaigns have started, as such, the Command in conjunction
with other sister Services have concluded plans to emplace
adequate security for all political parties to make their campaigns free of any intimidation across the length and breath of the State,” he said.
The CP, who said he is in the state to work to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the state, asked criminally- minded persons to retrace their steps or relocate from the state, adding that he would respect the democratic tenets in waging war against crimes and criminality in the state.
He added: “By the same token, I want to use this medium to advise would-be law breakers and criminal elements in the state to change
their ways and be law abiding, or pack their bags and
baggage and relocate to any state they feel is safe to carry on with their lawless activities.
“We are prepared to work with
both state and non-state security actors to police Kwara State
with all available human and material resources to ensure
peace reigns supreme in the state.
“The Command is also ready to advance the community policing
mantra of the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Usman Alkali Baba, for effective community participation in the arduous task of emplacement of a crime free society.”
Ends