The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has charged officers of the Command deployed to Osun State for special election duty to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, neutrality and respect for the rule of law throughout the assignment.
This was contained in a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John issued to newsmen.
Addressing the officers before their departure, the Commissioner reminded them that election duty is a sensitive national responsibility and that their conduct must reflect the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
CP Azare warned the officers against 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 Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
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.
The Commissioner further stressed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has made adequate arrangements for the transportation of all personnel deployed from Akwa Ibom State to Osun State and their return to the State after the election duty. He therefore warned 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 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. He further 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.”
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.
He warned that 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.
The Commissioner wished the officers a successful assignment and safe return to Akwa Ibom State, urging them to distinguish themselves through discipline, courage, neutrality and exemplary conduct.
