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Akwa Ibom CP warns deployed officers against extortion, partisanship and voter intimidation.
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Officers are barred from paying for their movement to Osun and back to Akwa Ibom.
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Police personnel are cautioned against sharing sensitive election-operation content online.
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Akwa Ibom Police intensifies statewide crackdown on one-way driving, speeding, unregistered vehicles, overloading and other violations.
August 14, (THEWILL) — The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned officers deployed to Osun State for election duty against extortion, partisanship, intimidation of voters and other forms of unprofessional conduct.
Azare gave the warning on Wednesday while addressing the officers before their departure, stressing that their conduct during the election must reflect the professionalism, discipline and neutrality expected of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commissioner specifically warned the personnel against collecting money from colleagues for transportation, disclosing that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had made arrangements for the transportation of all officers deployed from Akwa Ibom to Osun State and their return after the assignment.
He directed the officers to use only the officially approved transportation arrangements, and ordered that any attempt by commanders or other personnel to collect money for transportation or related movement expenses should be reported through the appropriate channels.
“No officer should pay for his or her movement,” Azare said, warning that any officer found involved in unauthorised collection of money would be held personally accountable and subjected to disciplinary action.
The CP also warned the officers against supporting or being used by political parties, candidates or individuals, urging them to remain completely neutral throughout the election.
He cautioned against intimidation of voters, harassment, unnecessary use of force, incivility, abandonment of duty posts and consumption of alcohol while on duty.
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Azare further directed the officers to comply with the Inspector-General of Police’s Social Media Policy, warning them against posting, livestreaming or circulating photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner capable of compromising operational security.
He directed the personnel to remain under their designated commanders, observe the rules of engagement and protect voters, electoral officials and election materials to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom Police Command has announced sustained statewide enforcement of traffic laws, warning motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and tricycle operators against violations.
The Command said the enforcement was aimed at reducing avoidable road crashes, protecting lives and property and ensuring the free flow of traffic across the state.
The offences targeted include driving against traffic, operating without valid vehicle particulars or driver’s licences, using covered or unauthorised number plates, operating unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles, reckless driving, speeding, indiscriminate parking, overloading and using motorcycles or tricycles on restricted routes.
Others include disobedience to traffic lights and road signs, use of mobile phones while driving and other conduct capable of endangering road users.
The Command directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, traffic officers and other operational units to intensify enforcement across their jurisdictions.
It, however, ordered officers involved in the exercise to remain professional and civil, warning that extortion, harassment and unnecessary delays would not be tolerated.
Police also advised parents and guardians against allowing underage or unqualified persons to operate vehicles, motorcycles or tricycles on public roads.
