The Police Service Commission (PSC) has praised the Nigeria Police Force for their resolute stance against the attempted hijack of off-cycle elections by miscreants.
In a statement on Sunday, Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, lauded the courage and professionalism displayed by the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force during the elections in the nine Senatorial districts of Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. The PSC Staff Monitors, deployed to these districts, reported that the police personnel on election duty had admirably contained intermittent attempts to hijack the electoral process.
According to the statement, the policemen stationed at various polling units were described as courteous, approachable, and professional, despite facing sporadic incidents of attacks aimed at subverting the electoral process.
The statement also highlighted the commendable efforts of the police in containing pockets of attacks in Brass and other riverine areas of Bayelsa State, as well as making several arrests in response to attacks on voting units, particularly in Kogi State.
Although there were reports of vote-buying in the three states, the statement clarified that these activities did not involve the connivance of police officers on election duties.
Providing specific details, the statement mentioned that the police maintained visible patrols in collaboration with the military along major roads in Imo North and East, with police helicopters providing aerial surveillance over the voting areas throughout the election period.
Furthermore, the PSC Monitors observed that police officers in Bayelsa arrived early at most voting units, donning professional attire and demonstrating a high level of preparedness and professionalism.
Dr. Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the Commission and retired Inspector General of Police, who personally monitored the exercise in Kogi, commended the Deputy Inspectors General of Police and advised the police to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing any potential breakdown of law and order following the announcement of election results.
Arase also emphasized the need for swift investigation and disciplinary action in response to any reported cases of police misconduct. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to maintaining a proactive stance in monitoring police conduct during elections to ensure optimal performance.
The PSC Staff Monitors, operating from the nine Senatorial districts, collaborated with civil society groups, while the National Coordinating team worked from the Situation Room in Abuja to oversee the elections.
