Over 400 observers to monitor police officers on election duty

The Police Service Commission is to deploy 425 of its personnel to monitor the conduct of police officers who would be on duty during the March 28 and April 11 elections.

The chairman of the commission, Mike Okiro, said at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja that he would lead the personnel to monitor the officers in the 109 Senatorial Districts.

Mr. Okiro said the commission will hold police official on electoral duty accountable for their actions or inactions.

“The success or failure of any election depends on the stakeholders performing their duties. Security agencies can make a difference in the outcome of the elections.

“It is, therefore, important that police officers display the highest level of integrity, neutrality, professionalism and sense of duty,” he said.

Mr. Okiro said protection of voters, electoral materials, officials and preservation of law and orderly electoral process were necessary for free, fair and credible elections.

“The Electoral Act prohibits certain activities as unlawful.

“Every police officer on electoral duty is expected to know and sensibly enforce the law in respect of these offences in the discharge of his or duties,” he said.

Mr. Okiro said if the police were effective in the discharge of their duties the electoral process would be protected from anti-democratic elements. 

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