Police Service Commission (PSC) officials have arrived in Edo State to oversee police conduct during the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21.
DIG Taiwo Lakanu emphasized that officers assigned to election duties must remain neutral and ensure the elections are free and fair.
He stated that any officer found violating these principles would face disciplinary action.
The PSC's monitoring team aims to uphold integrity in the electoral process by closely observing police activities throughout the election period. This initiative aligns with broader security measures, including the deployment of approximately 35,000 police officers and military personnel to maintain order and ensure a peaceful voting environment.
The Commission's team, according to a press release signed by Ikechukwu Ani, head of the public relations unit of PSC, 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 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 lead agency in internal security, which includes 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.
Meanwhile, the Commission has released dedicated telephone numbers for Nigerians to reach the Commission's situation Room in Benin to present their complaints or commendation 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, the statement concluded.
The commission's presence is intended to reassure voters of a transparent electoral process, as they work alongside other security agencies to prevent misconduct and uphold democratic values during the election.
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