Election: Police to provide toll free lines, sanction erring officers

The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it will provide toll free lines to the public to enhance monitoring the conduct of police personnel during the 2019 general election to ascertain their adherence to professionalism. The Commission said the phone lines will enable the public to specifically report erring officers who plays partisan politics rather than sticking to the professional conduct of the Police Force. Speaking at a press briefing in Jos on Wednesday, the Police Commissioner Representing Human Rights, North Central of the Police Service Commission, Bar. Rommy Mom said the decision was to correct the mistakes that transpired in Ekiti and Osun state elections in 2018. “The PSC will be monitoring the Police Conduct in the 2019 General Election across the entire country with a view to ascertain professionalism in order to ensure the credibility of the electoral process. “We shall be providing toll free lines to the general public aimed at reporting any erring police officer during the polls. “This has become necessary as we do not want a reoccurrence of what happened in Ekiti and Osun states last year. “We shall not hesitate to sanction erring police officers because we want to maintain our standard in protecting democracy as the police force is the largest and leading agency providing 85% of security personnel for the 2019 elections. “In every state we shall set up a smaller team to work with at the Headquarters to synergies and coordinate the Police network during the elections. “We however urge all Nigerians to report acts of indiscipline and lack of professionalism by any member of the Force to the Commission for quick resolution,” Mom said. The Commissioner also reminded the public that the PSC is responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of all police officers with the exception of the IGP. Mom also said that on the 21st of January, the Commission will train 50 police officers from each geo political zones which will as well step down train across the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory. Our correspondent reports that the workshop drew participants from Plateau, Kwara and Niger States. Muhammad said the measure was to ensure the credibility of the electoral process. “As the awaited election is drawing to a close, it is with utmost importance that we draw the attention of the public and all stakeholders in the upcoming election on the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force. “This is important to all Nigerians, as the President has constantly referred to this. “Therefore, the PSC will be monitoring the Police Conduct in the 2019 General Election across the entire country with a view to ascertain professionalism in order to ensure the credibility of the electoral process,” she said. The commissioner also reminded the public that the PSC is responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of all police officers with the exception of the IGP. She stated that the PSC is not unmindful of past allegation of some unprofessional conducts by some policemen in previous elections. “For these reasons, the PSC will set up and create awareness hotlines for complaints by citizens. “We urge all Nigerians to report acts of indiscipline and lack of professionalism by any member of the Force to the Commission for quick resolution,” she said. According to her, the commission would ensure best practices in all postings carried out towards the 2019 election in order to strengthen democratic ideals. “Every posting made in contradiction of the Constitution is therefore null, void and illegal. “The commission will not hesitate to act on any complain that arises from the public as a result of this illegality. “The commission also expects all members of the force to remain apolitical and professional in the course of carrying out their duties of maintaining law and order,” the official said. Najatu Muhammad is a commissioner in the PSC representing women’s interest (North West). She spoke on behalf of a team from the commission visiting states in the North-West to inform political leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders about the resolve of the commission ahead of the 2019 general elections. Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos