By Hosea Parah, Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has deployed staff monitors to Ondo State ahead of the November 18, 2024 governorship election to oversee the conduct of police officers assigned to security duties. The monitors’ role is to ensure that police personnel comply with established rules of engagement and maintain the highest standards of professionalism throughout the electoral process.

Chairman of the PSC, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu (rtd), emphasized the critical need for accountability and professionalism within the police force during elections. Speaking to the PSC monitors, Argungu urged them to perform their duties with integrity and to resist any external pressure that could compromise the objectivity of their mission.

“The police must be firm but respectful, ensuring the safety of voters, the security of election materials, and the overall integrity of the electoral process,” Argungu said. “As the lead agency in internal security, the police play a vital role in safeguarding the fairness and credibility of the election in Ondo State.”

The PSC’s monitoring team will be deployed across all 18 local government areas of the state, closely observing police officers’ actions and reporting any misconduct. This initiative is part of the Commission’s broader efforts to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election while promoting accountability and professionalism within the police force.

Earlier this week, the Commission conducted a workshop on election security at its Parry Osayande Auditorium, where CP Balarabe Nayaya (rtd), Technical Assistant to the PSC Chairman, briefed the monitors on key aspects of police conduct during elections. The training outlined the dos and don’ts for officers assigned to election duties, emphasizing vigilance and legal adherence.

To encourage public involvement, the PSC has set up dedicated hotlines for Ondo residents to report any concerns or commend the actions of police officers during the election:

Ondo Central: 08033148814

Ondo South: 08065265651

Ondo North: 07046756445

Media Coordination: 08033345362

This proactive approach underscores the Police Service Commission’s commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process by holding the police accountable for their role in securing the election.