……. As Lakanu says, officers on election duty must remain neutral and ensure free and fair elections
……. Insists Commission will discipline any Officer found wanting.
Police Service Commission Staff Monitors are already arriving in Edo state to monitor the conduct of Police Officers during Saturday’s Governorship elections in the State.
According to a press release on Thursday, September 19th 2024 PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said that the Commission’s team will be led by DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, Honourable Commissioner in the Commission and will include other high-ranking staff of the Commission.
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 the Delegation, DIG Lakanu, has charged the Police Officers on election duties to be civil, and 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.
DIG Lakanu said 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.
He said the Commission will also commend Officers who exhibit exemplary conduct during the elections.
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
The monitoring of Police conduct during elections is one of the Commission’s obligations to ensure the sustenance of the nation’s fragile democracy.
