Olusegun Ariyo
The Police Service Commission, PSC, monitoring team has arrived in Edo State to monitor the conduct of police officers during the September 21 governorship election in the state.
The spokesman for PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, revealed this in a statement, saying the move is aimed at ensuring police neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
The statement said that the team’s presence serves as a warning to police officers that any misconduct or dereliction of duty would be met with disciplinary action.
It added the stern warning underscores PSC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
“The team will be led by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd), 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 statement added.
The leader of the delegation, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd), charged the police officers on election duties to be civil, and smart but strict in enforcing the electoral laws.
According to him, as lead agency in internal security, which includes the security of election, 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.
Similarly, 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 which connect directly to the state coordinator include 08064696711, 08185241907, and 07038231615.
Also, the numbers 08035909482 and 08052084461 were released for Edo South.
