The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has cautioned officers and personnel of the command deployed for election security duties in Osun State to maintain professionalism and avoid any form of misconduct during the exercise.
According to a statement issued on Thursday in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the police commissioner delivered the warning while addressing the officers before their departure to Osun State.
Azare described election duty as a critical national assignment and urged the officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline and professionalism.
He stressed the need for neutrality, warning them against allowing themselves to be influenced by political parties, candidates or individuals.
The commissioner specifically cautioned against acts such as voter intimidation, extortion, harassment, unnecessary use of force, incivility, abandonment of duty posts and any behaviour capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
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“You are going to Osun State as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and 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,” he said.
Azare also reminded the officers to comply strictly with the Inspector-General of Police’s Social Media Policy. He warned them against posting, livestreaming, sharing or circulating photographs, videos, comments or other materials related to sensitive election operations in a manner that could compromise operational security or damage the reputation of the Force.
The police commissioner further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had made adequate arrangements for the transportation of all deployed personnel to and from Osun State.
He emphasized that no officer should pay for transportation and directed that any attempt by commanders or personnel to collect money under the guise of transport or movement expenses should be reported through the appropriate channels.
Azare urged the officers to remain under the supervision of their designated commanders, adhere to established rules of engagement and ensure the protection of voters, electoral officials and election materials.
He expressed confidence that the officers would contribute to a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process through professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law.
