2 months ago
17 ARTICLE AD
The Police Service Commission officials monitoring team has arrived in Edo State ahead of the September 21 governorship poll in the state.
In a press statement made available by PSC’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, on Thursday, the personnel would monitor the conduct of police officers during Saturday’s governorship elections in the state.
Ani said the team will be led by a retired deputy inspector general, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.), and will include other high-ranking staff.
He added that the monitoring of police conduct during elections is one of the Commission’s obligations to ensure the sustenance of the nation’s fragile democracy.
The statement read in part, “The staff monitors will operate from the three senatorial districts and will hold the police accountable for their actions or inactions before, during and after the election.
“Police officers on electoral duties are expected to be neutral and ensure that both the voters and the voting materials are protected and secured.
“The Officers are also expected to ensure that voting is peaceful and orderly and that voters are given unfettered access to discharge their civic responsibility.
“The leader of Delegation, DIG Lakanu has charged the police officers on election duties to be civil, smart but strict in enforcing the electoral laws.”
He said as the lead agency in internal security, which includes the security of elections, the police in Edo elections should exhibit strong leadership qualities expected of them.
“The Commission will discipline any police officer who fails to conduct himself in a manner deserving of his office, adding that the success or failure of the election depends on the effectiveness of the Police Officers on duty.
“The Commission will also commend Officers who exhibit exemplary conduct during the elections,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Commission has released dedicated telephone numbers for Nigerians to reach the Commission’s Situation Room in Benin to present their complaints or commendations on the conduct of Police Officers during the election.
The numbers are State Coordinator: 08064696711, 08185241907, 07038231615. Edo South: 08035909482, 08052084461. Edo Central: 08033145592, 08037879854. Edo North: 08055480701, 08083283429. Media Coordinator: 08033345362
