PSC Commends NPF for Effective Deployment During Anambra Election
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has expressed its commendation for the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) following the successful and efficient deployment of officers during the recent off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State. This was revealed in a statement released by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.
According to the statement, the PSC described the overall performance of the police as “above average,” emphasizing that their professionalism played a significant role in ensuring a peaceful and credible election process. The Commission highlighted that reports from its monitors across the state indicated that police personnel on election duty were orderly, courteous, and maintained a high level of discipline throughout the exercise.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, rtd, who led the PSC monitoring team, commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for ensuring that officers deployed for the election were adequately equipped and properly briefed. This, he said, contributed to creating a secure environment for a free and fair election.
During his visits to several polling units, DIG Lakanu observed “an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.” He noted that voters cast their ballots without fear or intimidation. He added, “I didn’t see ballot snatching in the places I visited, and I was impressed with the orderliness in the voting centres.”
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at improving police performance during elections. This is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Collaboration Between Police and Security Agencies
In the Anambra North Senatorial Zone, the PSC team led by Ferdinand Ekpe, Director of the Department of Police Discipline, reported effective collaboration between the Police and other security agencies. The team visited several polling units across Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, and Oyi local government areas.
Similarly, in the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, George Muruako, Deputy Director of the Department of Police Investigation, noted that police personnel were courteous and maintained order around voting areas. The team covered polling units in Agu Awka Ward, Aroma Junction, Esther Obiakor Estate, Ministry of Lands, and Anaocha Local Government Area.
In the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, the PSC team led by Mrs. Justina Okurubonye, a Deputy Director in the Department of Police Investigation, visited five of the seven local government areas—Orumba North, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, and Nnewi North. They reported that police officers conducted themselves professionally and wore proper identification tags.
Continued Commitment to Electoral Security
The Commission reaffirmed its confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and pledged continued collaboration to enhance security management during future elections. This partnership is viewed as essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of electoral processes across the country.
Key Highlights from the Monitoring Reports
- Anambra North Senatorial Zone:
- Ferdinand Ekpe led the team.
- Effective collaboration between police and other security agencies was reported.
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Visited polling units in Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, and Oyi local government areas.
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Anambra Central Senatorial Zone:
- George Muruako led the team.
- Police personnel were described as courteous and maintained order around voting areas.
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Covered polling units in Agu Awka Ward, Aroma Junction, Esther Obiakor Estate, Ministry of Lands, and Anaocha Local Government Area.
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Anambra South Senatorial Zone:
- Mrs. Justina Okurubonye led the team.
- Reported professional conduct and proper identification tags among police officers.
- Visited Orumba North, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, and Nnewi North local government areas.