By Jelili Gbadamosi
Mohammed Azare, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, has warned officers deployed for the Osun State governorship election against extortion, political interference and other acts capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.
Azare gave the warning while addressing the personnel before their departure for special election duty in Osun State.
He directed the officers to remain neutral and professional throughout the assignment, warning them against allowing political parties, candidates or individuals to influence their conduct.
The commissioner also prohibited the consumption of alcohol while on duty and cautioned the personnel against any behaviour capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force or the Akwa Ibom State Police Command into disrepute.
“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,” he said.
Azare further warned officers and their commanders against demanding or collecting money from personnel for transportation or other movement-related expenses.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had made adequate arrangements for the transportation of all personnel deployed from Akwa Ibom to Osun and their return after the election.
He directed the officers to use only the officially approved transportation arrangements and ordered anyone approached for unauthorised payment to report the matter through the appropriate channels.
The commissioner said officers found engaging in extortion, unauthorised collection of money, misconduct or violation of lawful directives would be held personally responsible and subjected to disciplinary action.
Azare also reminded the personnel to comply with the IGP’s social media policy, particularly concerning sensitive election operations.
He warned them against posting, livestreaming, sharing or circulating photographs, videos, comments or other materials from election operations in ways that could compromise security or damage the image of the police.
He urged the officers to conduct themselves in a manner that would promote public confidence in the police and support a peaceful and credible electoral process in Osun State.
