The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Azare, has directed officers deployed to Osun State for special election duty to maintain neutrality and professionalism, warning them against extortion, political interference and other forms of misconduct.
Azare gave the warning while addressing the personnel before their departure for the Osun State governorship election.
He cautioned the officers against allowing themselves to be used by political parties, candidates or individuals, stressing that they were being deployed to Osun as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
The commissioner specifically warned the personnel against consuming alcohol while on duty and engaging in any conduct capable of damaging the reputation of the police.
He also reminded the officers of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu’s, social media policy, directing them not to post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner that could compromise operational security or the image of the Force.
Azare further directed the officers to comply strictly with the approved transportation arrangements for personnel deployed from Akwa Ibom to Osun and back after the election.
He warned commanders and other personnel against demanding or collecting money from officers for transportation or related movement expenses, noting that adequate arrangements had already been made by the Inspector-General of Police.
The commissioner directed any officer who encounters an attempt to collect such money to report it through the appropriate channels.
He warned that officers found engaging in extortion, unauthorised collection of money, violation of lawful directives or other forms of misconduct would be held personally accountable and face appropriate disciplinary action.
Azare urged the personnel to uphold the principles of neutrality and professionalism throughout the election duty, reminding them that their conduct could affect public confidence in the police and the credibility of the electoral process.
