Idara Jerome, Uyo

“You must remain completely neutral and professional.” With those words, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, set out the core responsibility of officers deployed from the state to Osun State for election duty, warning them against being used by politicians or compromising the integrity of the electoral process.

Azare gave the directive on Thursday while addressing the personnel before their departure for Osun State, charging them to remember that they were going into the election as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and not as agents of any political party, candidate or individual.

A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the commissioner described election duty as a sensitive national responsibility requiring the highest level of discipline, neutrality and professionalism.

He warned the officers against partisanship, intimidation of voters, extortion, harassment and unnecessary use of force, as well as other actions capable of undermining public confidence in the police.

“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,” Azare said.

The commissioner also cautioned the personnel against abandoning their duty posts, consuming alcohol while on duty, acting with incivility or engaging in any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute.

He directed them to operate within the rules of engagement and demonstrate respect for the rule of law throughout the assignment, stressing that their conduct would reflect not only on them but also on the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the wider police institution.

Azare also warned the officers to strictly comply with the Inspector-General of Police’s Social Media Policy, particularly in handling information and materials generated during election operations.

He said personnel must not post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in ways that could compromise operational security or damage the image of the Force.

The commissioner further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had made adequate arrangements for the transportation of the deployed personnel to and from Osun State.

He therefore directed the officers not to pay for their transportation, warning commanders and other personnel against demanding or collecting money from officers under any guise relating to transportation or movement expenses.

Azare urged any officer asked to make such payment to immediately report the matter through the appropriate channel, while directing the personnel to remain under the command and control of their designated commanders.

He charged them to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials and ensure that their actions contribute to a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.