A speech delivered by Gov.Finturi at the retreat for senior police officers, electoral officers and political actors

The retreat was Organized by the Nigeria Police, Adamawa Command Thursday, 22nd December, 2022 in preparation for the 2023 general election

Murtala Nyako Hall, Adamawa State Secretariate, Yola.

PROTOCOL

I am delighted to be here.When the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa

Command, Mr. Sikiru Kayode Akande accosted me with the idea of this retreat, I outrightly endorsed it and promised that I will make myself personally available for it. The reasons for the outright endorsement are not farfetched.

First, is an innovation which isn’t only novel but ingenious. CPAkande has since his assumption of duty in Adamawa State, proven to be a man full of ideas and innovation on how to secure lives and properties of citizens in the State. He is committed to peaceful coexistence and civilized policing. In him, I have found a good partner in the “Peaceful Adamawa Project”.

The second reason, is the timeliness and significance of this retreat.As we inch closer to the 2023 elections, there is need to provide the right sensitization to all stakeholders on the required civilized etiquette for the conduct of a free, fair and credible elections.There is therefore, no bettertime than this. More profound is the significance of the retreat. A peaceful, free and fair election is a major prerequisite for any democracy that is worth its salt. Indeed, it is the hallmark of ideal democracies all over the world. To achieve this, roles have to be clearly defined and election stakeholders have to religiously be committed to their traditional roles. We can therefore not afford to walk into the election season without the right arsenals handy in our thoughts and conduct. Thus, I welcome this initiative with every hospitality at my disposal.

The theme of the retreat, “Security as Bedrock of a Free, Fair and Credible Election” is equally apt and illuminating. We all desire a credible election and the only way we can achieve it, is when the electoral process is made free and fair. When all stakeholders are assured of their security from the point of campaign which starts with rallies and voter education to the voting day activities which include the security of voters, election officers, and elections materials; up to post voting activities such as collation and declaration of results. These processes have to be made transparent not only at the realm of reality but perception.

Thus, the security agencies can make a difference in the outcome of elections. It is therefore important that security officers display the highest level of integrity, neutrality, professionalism and sense of duty. The protection of human life, voters, electoral materials and officials and the preservation of lawful and orderly electoral processes are necessary for credible, free and fair elections. Security is indispensable to the conduct of free, fair and credible election. From the provision of the basic security to voters at political party rallies and campaigns to ensuring that result sheets are protected, the whole electoral process is circumscribed by security considerations.

While acknowledging that all stakeholders have critical roles to play in the success of this enterprise, it must be admitted that the role of the police is even more critical. No election can take place in an atmosphere of rancour. Even if it does, such an election cannot stand the test of credibility. Elections are meant for the living not the dead. We must not kill ourselves to vote. Victory or defeat can only have a meaning when we are alive to either celebrate or bemoan.

As an administration,I want to use this medium to reassure all stakeholdersin the 2023 election of our commitment to a successful and peaceful election.To all political actors, I reassure everyone of a level playing atmosphere. I only admonish as always, that we play the game by its rules.

On this note, ladies and gentlemen, I wish everyone an insightful and fruitful retreat. Once again, I congratulate the Adamawa Police Command for putting this together. You have my support all the time.

Thank you and God bless.