As the nation approaches the Edo and Ondo states Governorship elections, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has called on security operatives to be vigilant in enforcing the law.
Argungu emphasised the need for the highest level of professionalism from security personnel assigned to oversee the off-season Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, scheduled for September and November this year.
In his keynote address delivered on Thursday at the Election Security Management Symposium, organized by JoshTech Security and Safety Consult Ltd in collaboration with the University of Lagos (UNILAG Consult), DIG Argungu stressed that security operatives, particularly those from the Nigeria Police Force—the lead agency in election security—must prioritize the protection of lives and property before, during, and after the elections.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of electoral officers and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process, urging the security agencies to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to maintain order and fairness throughout the electoral period.
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He said they should do necessary identification, surveillance, and monitoring of all known possible subversive elements, “terrorist groups, political dissidents, pressure groups and other criminal elements”.
According to a statement issued by the Head Press and Public Relations Officer, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC boss also noted that the security personnel should as a matter of national importance maintain peaceful conditions, law and order around the Polling and collation centres.
He said the staff of the Commission will continue to carry out oversight functions on Policemen on election duties to protect the integrity of the elections.
The Symposium which was held at Merit House, Maitama Abuja was for seasoned security Chiefs, Experts, Policy Makers, Researchers, Selected Civil Society Organisations (CSOs’), Party Chieftains, and delegations from the Electoral umpire.