President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime has called on the police, army and other security agencies to deploy female forces for the national and state elections.

The elections are slated for February 25 and March 11.

Specifically, Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, made the call at the third annual forum of the Women, Peace And Security Sector Reference Group on Tuesday in Abuja.

“I wish to once again stress the need for female security personnel to be fully mobilised and deployed to utilise their potential in overseeing the forthcoming general elections towards actualising a safe, free and fair election,” she said.

The minister believes that the involvement of women as either observers or security personnel would ensure a free and fair election.

Ms Tallen also implored the public to support and vote for women vying for various political positions to enable Nigeria to restore its lost glory.

“I implore all well-meaning Nigerians to endeavour to support and vote women vying for political positions as I am very optimistic that if more women are being elected into strategic positions, Nigeria’s lost glory will surely be restored,” stated Ms Tallen.

UN Women country representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, said the resolution was adopted because of women’s significant role in politics.

Similarly, the commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar-Audi, emphasised the role women play in the peace and security of any country.

Mr Abubakar-Audi, represented by Nnamdi Nwanyi, deputy commandant in crisis management, reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens from violence and ensuring peace and security.

Also, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, stressed the need for collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure the smooth conduct of the 2023 general elections.

Inspector general of police Usman Alkali Baba, represented by AIG Aisha Abubakar, said special personnel training was ongoing.

(NAN)