2019 election: What we’ll do during elections – Police Service Commission

The Police Service Commission, PSC, has said that it will monitor the
conduct of police personnel during the 2019 General Elections to
ascertain their adherence to professionalism.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Commissioner, Hajiya Najatu
Muhammad, stated this during a news conference in Dutse yesterday.

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.

"The NPF is the largest and leading agency providing 85% of security
personnel for the 2019 elections.

"PSC is therefore very interested in how the police conduct themselves
in this all-important act in ensuring the credibility of the process.
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 a 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
complaints 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.