This The leader of Police Service Commission, PSC’s delegation assigned to monitor the conducts of Police personnel during the Edo Governorships Election on Saturday, DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd has charged the Police Officers to be neutral, civil, smart and strict in enforcing the electoral laws.
Lakanu who gave the charge Thursday as staff of Police Service Commission deployed to monitor the election started arriving Edo state said the commission will hold police officers accountable for their actions or inactions.
PSC staffs are in Edo primarily to monitor the conduct of Police Officers before, during and after Saturday’s Governorship elections in the State.
DIG Lakanu rtd, said PSC staff 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.”
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 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 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.