By Abubakar Ojima-ojo Yunusa
The Police Service Commission has commended the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as an efficient and professional deployment of personnel during Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State.
The Commission said the conduct of officers contributed significantly to the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the exercise.
A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, on Saturday, said monitors deployed across the state reported that police personnel acted with decorum and maintained order at polling units.
The leader of the PSC monitoring team, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements.
He said the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ensured that officers deployed were well-prepared to guarantee a credible election.
Lakanu, who visited several polling units, noted that voting was conducted in a calm environment. He said he did not witness incidents of ballot snatching or intimidation in the areas he monitored.
He said the Commission would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving police performance during elections to strengthen democracy.
“In Anambra North, the Director in the Department of Police Discipline, Ferdinand Ekpe, who led the monitoring team, also confirmed effective collaboration between the police and other security agencies.
“His team visited polling units across Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru and Oyi local government areas.
“The PSC monitoring team in Anambra Central, headed by Deputy Director, George Muruako, reported similar observations.
” The team visited polling units in Agu Awka, Anaocha and other communities, noting that police personnel were courteous and maintained order.
“In Anambra South, the monitoring team led by Mrs Justina Okurubonye covered polling units in Orumba North, Ihiala, Ekwusigo and Nnewi North.
“The team reported that police officers were easily identifiable, as they wore name tags and conducted themselves professionally.”
The Commission said it considered the overall performance of police personnel in the election as above average and satisfactory.