JUSTICE OGUNBIYI READS 2019 ELECTION RIOT ACTS TO POLICE OFFICERS

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Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri

Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi (rtd) of the Police Service Commission (PSC); has said that police officers on election duties; are to ensure and maintain peaceful atmosphere at polling and counting centres of 2019 general election in Northeast. The election atmosphere, according to her, was to enable electorate exercise their franchise, without any fear, intimidation and violence at forthcoming polls. Ogunbiyi read out the riot acts to police commissioners and officers on Wednesday at an Election Security Management (ESEM) Workshop in Maiduguri. She said that to effectively discharge these functions, police officers should be “alert, professional, fair and accessible” to voters, who might need their assistance at the various election centres. Her words: “Election duties provide the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) an invaluable opportunity to contribute towards the much needed peaceful conclusion of 2019 elections.” Justice Ogunbiyi said that by performing these functions, it could afford the opportunity to improve image of the police and relationship with public. “Police officers on election duties must be prompt on responding to any form of incident that could lead to disruption of voting and any other associated electoral process,” she warned. Speaking on professionalism, she said: “The police officer must be professional in his or her actions to the polling officers, voters, the public, election monitors and observers. This will create positive opinion about the police.” While maintaining fairness at polls, she said: “Every police officer on election duties must avoid undue fraternization with party members and agents of any political party that could be interpreted as compromising their impartiality. According to her, police personnel must be fair, courteous and firm to all persons in his or her area of deployment. She said that policemen should avoid any situation that can lead to the disruption of elections at their respective duty posts. “Any evidence of or indication that a police officer on election duties is biased towards a political party or another in any form; has the potential to undermine the integrity of the election,” she warned. She added that it will be investigated by the PSC with disciplinary action taken where appropriate. She also urged the policemen to be aware of election law and refrain from the use of force at polls. The Borno state police commissioner, Damian Chukwu said that this is the first time in the history of PSC to involve policemen in the conduct of elections across the country. He said there is the need to sensitize the people on the do’s and don’ts of forthcoming general elections.

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