May 29: Some Political Elites Trying To Frustrate Hand Over To Tinubu – IGP

• The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, cautions against plans by certain political elites and individuals to hinder the civilian-to-civilian transfer of power on May 29, 2023.

• The IGP alleges that politicians dissatisfied with the 2023 election outcome are issuing threats aimed at instigating actions that could disrupt the handover to President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

• He assures that the Police and other security agencies are committed to defending democracy, urging those planning trouble to desist and warning of the consequences if they defy the warning.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has raised concerns about potential attempts by certain political elites and individuals to impede the civilian-to-civilian transfer of power scheduled for May 29, 2023.

According to the IGP, politicians who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the 2023 elections are resorting to issuing public threats, with the aim of instigating actions that could frustrate the presidential inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Emphasizing the significance of the May 29 handover and the defense of democracy, the IGP warned that the Police and other security agencies will not allow anything to disrupt the planned ceremony.

He specifically cautioned those planning to cause trouble to abandon their plans and stay away from the presidential inauguration.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, IGP Baba stated, “Following the successful conclusion of the 2023 General elections, it has been observed that some major political actors that the outcome did not favor have been issuing public threats that are directed at instigating actions to frustrate the Presidential inauguration ceremony on 29th May, 2023.”

He further expressed concerns about certain elements who have displayed unpatriotic behavior, seeking to subvert national security interests through extra-judicial and undemocratic means, all in pursuit of their personal political gains.

The IGP stressed that democracy encompasses not only the freedom of citizens to exercise their voting rights but also the right of aggrieved political actors to pursue grievances through the judicial process.

Underscoring the vigilance of security agencies, the IGP warned all political actors that their activities are being closely monitored. He specifically directed his message to those intending to disrupt the May 29 inauguration, cautioning them to take heed of the warnings.

The IGP affirmed that anyone who defies these warnings should be prepared to face the full force of the law.

He reiterated the unwavering resolve of the Police and other security agencies to defend democracy and ensure a smooth and peaceful presidential inauguration on May 29, 2023.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the imperative of peace in our national life cannot be overemphasized. Sustenance of peace and security is even more expedient at this stage in our national democratic transition,” the IGP emphasized.

He concluded by firmly warning all political actors with subversive agendas and their collaborators, including foot soldiers being radicalized and drawn into political extremism, to abandon any attempts to create tension and derail the upcoming inauguration.

The IGP assured the nation that the Nigeria Police, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community, remains committed to safeguarding democracy, maintaining internal security, and deploying their collective resources to ensure the successful conduct of the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.