The Bayelsa Professional Forum (BPF) has expressed disappointment over Governor Duoye Diri’s recent comments regarding the role of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during elections.
In a statement issued by the Secretary of BPF, Philip Erepa, in Yenagoa on Wednesday, the forum described the governor’s remarks as unfortunate and lacking in understanding of the police’s responsibilities during elections.
Erepa highlighted that Governor Diri, during a live youth program, suggested that the police had no responsibility during elections, which he viewed as a misrepresentation of the police’s crucial role in ensuring election security.
Erepa also criticized Diri for making derogatory remarks against the Commissioner of Police, CP Alausa, and other respected figures in the state and country.
The statement further noted that Diri’s comments appeared to preempt a legal process challenging his declaration as governor, which Erepa described as an attempt to undermine the judiciary and the legal proceedings.
Erepa emphasized that the police have a statutory responsibility in the conduct of elections in Nigeria, including monitoring and securing the entire electoral process.
He stressed that the police can also be called upon to stand as witnesses in court cases related to elections they monitored and secured.
In conclusion, Erepa condemned Diri’s comments as an attempt to harass not only CP Alausa but the entire Nigeria Police Force.
He called for Governor Diri to be educated on the role of the police in elections and urged him to refrain from making statements that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the judiciary.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate