By Ebinum Samuel
Police Service Commission Staff Monitors are already arriving Edo state to monitor the conduct of Police Officers during Saturday’s Governorship elections in the State.
The Commission’s team , according to Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesman, 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 080646967110818524190707038231615Edo South; 0803590948208052084461Edo Central; 0803314559208037879854Edo North; 0805548070108083283429Media Coordinator 08033345362The monitoring of Police conduct during elections is one of the Commission’s obligations to ensure the sustenance of the nation’s fragile democracy.