Police should be independent of political control.

The Human Rights Watch on Tuesday advised that the police should be independent of political control to ensure credible elections in 2011.

Eric Guttschuss, a representative of the body in Nigeria, gave the advice in Lagos, when presenting a report on the survey on Corruption and Human Rights Abuses by the Nigeria Police.

Guttschuss said if the police could be separated from the control of politicians, there would be fewer cases of electoral malpractice in the country.

According to him, politicians usually manipulate elections with the assistance of security agencies, particularly the police.

He said although there were cases of unprofessional conduct by the police, many personnel had also distinguished themselves in spite of working in difficult and dangerous conditions.

Guttschuss called for investigation into all forms of corruption and human rights abuses levelled against police personnel, with a view to eradicating vices in the Force.

He said the group would present copies of their report to the federal Government and police authorities for necessary actions.

The other speakers, who corroborated the bodys claims at the briefing included representatives of Network on Police Reform in Nigeria and Access to Justice.