The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned officers of the Nigeria Police Force against engaging in partisan political activities, insisting that the Force would remain neutral before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The IGP gave the directive during a strategic meeting with senior police officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors- General of Police and Commissioners of Police, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, last Wednesday.

He told the officers across the country to maintain regular interactions with journalists as part of efforts to tackle misinformation and fake news ahead of the elections.

He said sustained engagement with the media would strengthen public communication, promote transparency and help curb the spread of misleading information capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

Disu assured that the Nigeria Police Force would not allow itself to be used by politicians or political parties, saying the Force remains committed to providing a level playing field for all participants in the electoral process.

“We will remain neutral, ensure the safety and security of the electorate before, during and after the election,” he said.

The Police Chief warned that any police officer found participating in partisan politics would face appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences.

On the protection of citizens’ rights, the IGP charged Commissioners of Police to ensure that all reported cases of human rights violations are properly documented, investigated and resolved within a reasonable period.

He also directed police commands and zones across the country to establish accessible and visible Complaints Response Units to enable members of the public report alleged abuses and obtain appropriate redress.

Disu emphasized the need to improve the welfare of police personnel, directing Commissioners of Police to ensure prompt payment of death benefits to families of fallen officers and personally visit such families to demonstrate the Force’s support and solidarity.

He highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the Force but maintained that more efforts were required to address prevailing security challenges, particularly banditry in parts of the country.

He also cautioned Commissioners of Police against travelling outside their respective states without obtaining express approval from his office.

The IGP thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to strengthening the capacity of the police to combat crime and maintain national security.

King Onunwor

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as a strategic tool for developing human capital and preparing young people for the demands of an evolving global economy.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, stated this in Port Harcourt when members of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State Branch, paid him a courtesy visit.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi.

Wokoma said that STEM education goes beyond classroom instruction, saying it equips young people with critical thinking, problem-solving and innovative skills needed to thrive in our modern world.

According to him, Governor Siminalayi Fubara recognises that the future of economic development depends largely on quality education, scientific discoveries, technological innovation and digital transformation.

He assured that the state government was committed to creating an enabling environment for young people to acquire relevant scientific and technological knowledge that will prepare them for emerging opportunities.

“Rivers State Government believes that empowering its young population with scientific and technological knowledge is essential to preparing them for future opportunities and positioning the state as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial development,” he said.

The SSG added that sustained investment in STEM education would strengthen the state’s human capital base and equip the next generation with the competencies required to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and technological advancement.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peter Nwagor, commended STAN, Rivers State Branch, for its dedication to nurturing young minds, promoting innovation and encouraging academic excellence.

Nwagor urged the association to sustain its contributions to science education and assured its members of the government’s support.

Earlier, the Acting Chairman of STAN, Rivers State Branch, Dr Ibifiri Pollyn, expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued partnership with science teachers.

She said the collaboration had contributed to efforts to build a more productive, responsible and self-reliant teaching workforce while improving learning outcomes across schools in the state.

Pollyn presented two students from Government Secondary School, Orominike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, who emerged third-place winners at the National Science Project Exhibition.

She also presented Dr Gladys Chikere, a science teacher, who secured second position in the teachers’ category at the 2026 STAN National Annual Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Describing the achievements as a testament to the potential of Rivers State students and teachers, Pollyn said their performance brought honour to the state.

“Their achievements are a source of pride to Rivers State Government and a demonstration of the potential of our science teachers and learners,” she said.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate reported cases of political violence, attacks on political gatherings and disruption of political activities across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, and 16 other lawmakers, yesterday, amid growing concerns over attacks on political meetings, rallies and processions in different parts of the country.

Leading the debate on behalf of the sponsors, Agbedi condemned acts of violence, intimidation, assault and destruction of property associated with political rallies, meetings, processions and other lawful political activities, irrespective of the political parties or individuals affected.

He warned that “the rising incidents, if left unchecked, may threaten the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections and undermine citizens’ confidence in the democratic process.”

Agbedi reminded lawmakers that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, “guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including the right to form or belong to political parties.”

He also cited the constitutional provision which makes the security and welfare of the people the primary purpose of government, arguing that “citizens must be able to participate in political activities without fear of attacks or intimidation.”

The Minority Leader urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun inflammatory statements, discourage violence and cooperate with security agencies to maintain public order.

He called on the House to invoke its investigative powers under Section 88(1) of the Constitution to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and scrutinise the performance of public authorities responsible for enforcing relevant laws.

To underscore the gravity of the situation, Agbedi cited several incidents of political violence recorded in different parts of the country.

He recalled the disruption of political meetings in Enugu State on September 12, 2026, during which the police reportedly confirmed that two attendees were injured, while one person was allegedly killed.

He also cited an attack on All Progressives Congress supporters travelling to a rally in Katsina State on October 28, 2026, which reportedly led to the arrest of 14 suspects.

In Nasarawa State, the lawmaker recalled the attack on an APC rally in Lafia on November 4, 2026, where several people were reportedly injured.

He further drew attention to a violent incident during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7, 2026, in which the police reportedly confirmed that one person was killed and five others injured.

According to him, the incidents “point to the need for urgent intervention to prevent political disagreements from degenerating into violence.

He expressed concern that persistent attacks, intimidation and destruction of property could result in further loss of lives, discourage citizens from participating in legitimate political activities and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

Agbedi, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions about those responsible without proper investigations, insisting that allegations surrounding the incidents must be subjected to impartial, thorough and evidence-based scrutiny.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House constituted an ad hoc committee, chaired by the Leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, to investigate the immediate and remote causes of politically motivated violence across the country.

The committee was given three weeks to investigate the incidents and submit its findings to the House.

Its membership includes the House Leader and Minority Leader, chairmen and deputy chairmen of the House Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence, as well as two additional members drawn from the committees.

The investigation comes as political parties and prospective candidates intensify consultations and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

With political activities expected to increase in the coming months, concerns over the safety of political gatherings and the protection of citizens’ rights to freedom of association and assembly have become increasingly important.

The outcome of the House investigation is expected to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the reported attacks and identify measures to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent a recurrence.