PSC Deploys Monitors for Ondo State Election

By Iyojo Ameh

In preparation for the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has dispatched Staff Monitors across the state to oversee police conduct on electoral duties.

These monitors aim to ensure that officers uphold professionalism and adhere strictly to established rules of engagement.

The PSC Monitors will be present in all local government areas within Ondo State, assessing police behavior to maintain the credibility of the electoral process.

Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu, the Chairman of the PSC, emphasized the importance of integrity and impartiality among the PSC Monitors, advising them to resist external pressure that could compromise the integrity of the assignment. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process by holding the police accountable for their actions during the elections.

Argungu urged police officers on election duty to be “firm, friendly, and polite” while safeguarding voters, voting materials, and the polling environment. “The police must play a leadership role in ensuring a free, fair, and credible election in Ondo State, as they are the lead agency in internal security, which includes election security,” he stated.

Earlier this week, on November 11, the PSC held an election security monitoring workshop at its Parry Osayande Auditorium. CP Balarabe Nayaya, a retired commissioner and Technical Assistant to the PSC Chairman, delivered a keynote address to the Monitors. CP Nayaya stressed the importance of understanding police operations during elections, guiding the Monitors on the dos and don’ts for officers on duty to facilitate effective monitoring.

To further enhance transparency, the Commission has provided dedicated phone lines for public feedback on police conduct during the election:

Ondo Central: 08033148814

Ondo South: 08065265651

Ondo North: 07046756445

Media Coordination: 08033345362