From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Police Service Commission (PSC) said its monitoring team has arrived in Edo State to monitor the conduct of police officers ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
PSC Head of Press and Public Relations Ikechukwu Ani, said the team’s presence serves as a warning to police officers that any misconduct or dereliction of duty will be met with disciplinary action.
Ani, in a statement, said the team are in the state to ensure that police personnel on electoral duty remain neutral and professional throughout the election.
He said, “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 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 an examplary 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.”
