Awka: As preparations intensify for the upcoming Anambra governorship election, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has issued a firm directive to all security personnel, urging them to maintain strict neutrality throughout the electoral process.
Egbetokun issued the directive during a meeting with personnel on Monday in Awka.
The IGP emphasised that professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to democratic principles are non-negotiable for ensuring a free, fair, and credible poll.
The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies participating in the election security management are apolitical institutions.
“Therefore, we must be neutral and without bias.
“Our allegiance is not to any political party, candidate or ideology, but solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Therefore, the force shall remain neutral and yet assertive, civil and yet firm, professional and yet unyielding in the discharge of our duties during the process,” he said.
The IG, represented by the Head of the Intelligence Bureau, Force Headquarters, and Deputy IG Ben Okolo, stated that the force had activated a zero-tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and other related laws.
According to him, our professionalism would be matched with decisiveness and restraint by precision.
He stated that electoral violators would be treated as having committed a criminal violation of national security, rather than merely engaging in political misconduct.
“Offences, such as ballot snatching, vote buying, thuggery or vote intimidation are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022.
“Therefore, officers are under strict instructions to effect immediate arrest based on prima facie evidence and to ensure diligent prosecution”, Egbetokun said.
He disclosed that the Special Cybercrime Unit was also deployed to monitor the conduct of officers and men during the exercise, to ensure professional conduct.
“You are going to be accountable for your actions as you are being monitored.
“Our mandate is to provide the enabling environment for peaceful, fair, free and credible elections, without bias.
“You are under serious scrutiny to ensure that your conduct is above board,” he said.
The police boss expressed optimism that the personnel would not disappoint the police in the course of discharging their duties.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, assured the IG and residents of Anambra of a safe and credible poll.
Orutugu said, “Our officers and men have been properly trained to carry out the task ahead of them in a professional manner.”
He expressed gratitude to Egbetokun for deploying personnel and assets to ensure a safe and credible election in the state.
