Service Commission (PSC) has announced its comprehensive plans to deploy staff monitors for the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States, scheduled for November 11. The PSC’s proactive measures are designed to ensure the accountability and integrity of police officers on election duty in these crucial states.
The PSC’s move comes at a pivotal time when the electoral process in Nigeria demands utmost transparency and adherence to the rule of law. The PSC recognizes the vital role that law enforcement agencies play in the conduct of elections and the maintenance of peace and order, and they are taking steps to guarantee that these responsibilities are fulfilled conscientiously.
The PSC has mandated that staff monitors will be dispatched to all the senatorial districts within the three states, and their primary duty will be to vigilantly observe the conduct of police officers assigned to election duties. The PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, made this announcement in a statement released on a Tuesday night.
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One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is the PSC’s commitment to holding police officers accountable for their actions and inactions during the election period. Any officer found wanting in the discharge of their election duties will face appropriate disciplinary action, according to Ani.
Dr. Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the PSC, emphasized the importance of police officers conducting themselves with the utmost professionalism and integrity. He stated that officers on election duty should be above reproach, adhering to established laws and guidelines for election duty. The success or failure of the election largely depends on the actions and inactions of these officers, and Dr. Arase warned that any misconduct during the elections must attract commensurate consequences.
The PSC’s commitment to this monitoring effort reflects its dedication to the sustenance of credible and lasting democracy in Nigeria. It recognizes that the conduct of policemen on election duty is a critical factor in the success of any election, given their role as the government’s lead agency in internal security.