The Police Service Commission has announced its readiness to deploy staff monitors for the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states. The staff monitors will be deployed to all the senatorial districts in the three states to monitor strictly the conduct of policemen on election duties.
According to Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations, the Commission will hold the Police officers accountable for their actions and inactions throughout the period of the election. Any officer found wanting in the discharge of his/her election duties will be disciplined appropriately.
The Chairman of the Commission, Solomon Arase, commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the material support he has made available for proper policing of both the electorates and election materials.
This move by the Police Service Commission is aimed at ensuring that the governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states are free and fair. It is hoped that with the deployment of these staff monitors, the electorate will have confidence in the election process and the integrity of the Police Force will be upheld.
Arase asserted that the Inspector General of Police’s provision of crucial security infrastructure should be sufficient motivation for the police to ensure an unbiased and equitable electoral process. He urged officers to reciprocate this support by conducting themselves honorably before, during, and after the elections.
The PSC chairman emphasized that officers on election duty must adhere to established laws and guidelines without reproach. He acknowledged that the success or failure of the election hinges largely on officer conduct, warning that any misconduct would result in commensurate consequences.
He however prayed for God’s protection over all staff monitors undertaking this national assignment as they travel.
By Osaiyekemwen Confidence
