Be Neutral, CP Warns Akwa Ibom Police Contingents To Osun Poll

The Commissioner of Police (CP), in Akwa Ibom State Baba Azare, has warned officers and men of the Command deployed to Osun State for special election duty to be completely apolitical by demonstrating the highest level of professionalism, discipline, neutrality and respect for the rule of law throughout the assignment period.

Addressing the officers before their departure on Thursday, the commissioner reminded them that “election duty is a sensitive national responsibility,” charging them that their conduct must reflect the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

CP Azare reminded the officers that partisanship, intimidation of voters, extortion, harassment, unnecessary use of force, incivility, abandonment of duty posts, consumption of alcohol while on duty, or any other act capable of bringing the Police into disrepute, constituted gross misconduct with attendant punitive measures.

He particularly cautioned the officers against violating the Inspector-General of Police’s Social Media Policy, stressing that officers must not post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner inconsistent with the policy or capable of compromising operational security and the image of the Force.

On welfare, the commissioner assured that the IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has made adequate arrangements for the transportation of all personnel deployed from the State to Osun, for the poll, and their return to the state after the election duty and cautioned that “no officer is authorised or expected to pay for his or her transportation either to Osun State or back to Akwa Ibom State.”

He, therefore, directed all officers to travel strictly through the officially approved transportation arrangements and warned commanders and other personnel against collecting money from any officer under the guise of transportation or related movement expenses and directed that any attempt to demand or collect such money should be immediately reported through the appropriate channel.

“You are going to Osun State as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. You must remain completely neutral and professional. Do not allow yourselves to be used by any political party, candidate or individual. The Inspector-General of Police has made adequate arrangements for your transportation to Osun State and back. No officer should pay for his or her movement,” he warned.

CP Azare further directed the officers to remain under the command and control of their designated commanders, observe the rules of engagement, protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, and ensure that their actions contribute to a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.

“Any officer found engaging in misconduct, extortion, unauthorised collection of money or violation of lawful directives would be held personally accountable and subjected to appropriate disciplinary action,” he stressed.