Edo guber poll: PSC staff to monitor police conduct

Police Service Commission has said staff monitors from the commission have already arrived Edo state to monitor the conduct of police officers during  Saturday’s governorship elections in the state.

A press statement by the Head Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, Thursday in Abuja, said the commission’s team will be led by a  Commissioner in the PSC, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.), and will include other high ranking staff.

“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 spokesperson said.

He further stated that, “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 examplary conduct during the elections.”

Meanwhile, Ani said 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,” he added.