Protect electoral officers, others during Ondo, Edo polls, PSC tells police

The Police Service Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), has urged security operatives to ensure the protection of the electorate, electoral officers and others before, during and after the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

The PSC chairman also urged security operatives who would be deployed for duties during the elections to maintain a high level of professionalism.

A statement by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said Argungu disclosed this at the Election Security Management Symposium in Abuja on Thursday.

He said, “As the nation counts down on the Edo and Ondo states Governorship elections, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission has demanded the highest level of professionalism from security operatives who will be providing security services during the off-season Governorship elections in the twin States of Edo and Ondo States holding in September and November this year.

Argungu said the operatives, especially the Nigeria Police Force, the lead Agency in election security, must work to protect the lives and properties of citizens before, during and immediately after the elections.

“The PSC Chairman, who delivered a keynote address, said the security Agencies must also ensure the safety of electoral Officers and other stakeholders.”

He said they should do necessary identification, surveillance and monitoring of all known possible subversive elements, “terrorist groups, political dissidents, pressure groups and other criminal elements”.

Ani said Argungu also noted that the security personnel should, as a matter of national importance, maintain peaceful conditions, and law and order around the Polling and collation centres.

“He said the staff of the Commission will continue to carry out oversight functions on Policemen on election duties to protect the integrity of the elections,” the statement added.