Prof. Lai Olurode, the National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC), on Monday advised the Acting Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, to build on his predecessor's achievements.
He said in Lagos that Abubakar's predecessor, Hafiz Ringim, did well during the April, 2011 general elections.
“For the first time in the history of this country, Nigeria conducted elections that were well secured, more than any other elections before.
“There was cooperation among the security agencies, as instances of inter-rivalry within them were minimised.
“Also, there was inter-consultative committee on elections security, which was coordinated by Prof. Attahiru Jega– INEC chairman– with the support of the Police and all other security agencies.
“I think this should be sustained and efforts should be made to actually build on this,” he said.
Olurode also advised Mohammed, to improve on the welfare of his officers and men for effectiveness.
“The IG should not diminish, he should improve on the welfare of the police as a way of motivating them for greater performance,” he said.
“He also advised the acting IG, to minimise the challenges facing the Police.
The INEC commissioner listed some of the challenges to include internal corruption, indiscipline, open bribery, and illegal toll points.
According to him, if these are minimised, it will improve the image of the Police and Nigerians will begin to have confidence in them.
Olurode also suggested that there should be decentralisation of policing in the country, so as to give power to some Area Commanders to tackle some issues.#
“He (IG) can begin to decentralise some functions and activities of the police, so that the people at the zones and the Area Command levels will have more powers to tackle some issues, without necessarily getting to Police Headquarters,” he said.?