Police Directs Personnel To Maintain Neutrality In Anambra Elections

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 13 Police Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra State, AIG Miller Dantawaye, has ordered personnel deployed for the local government elections in the state on Saturday to be strict, professional and impartial in their conduct during the electoral process.

The directive was given to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, by Dantawaye as part of measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 13, ASP Chidera Oha.

Anambra and Enugu states fall under Zone 13 of the Nigeria Police Force with operational headquarters in Ukpo, Anambra state.

Dantawaye warned before, during and after the polls against open or covert identification with, support for, or assistance to any political party, candidate or interest group by officers.

He charged the personnel to perform their duties in line with the law, professional ethics and the laid down directives of the Nigeria Police Force.

The AIG also directed officers to provide adequate security to all stakeholders and ensure that voters exercise their civic rights peacefully and in an orderly manner without intimidation, harassment and discrimination.

“The credibility of the police during elections depended largely on the professionalism, discipline and impartiality of individual officers,” he stated.

Dantawaye urged personnel to be vigilant and respect the rights of citizens and avoid any act that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

He also directed the officers to report security threats or attempts to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections through appropriate channels without any delay.

The AIG reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the Anambra local government elections, imploring the personnel to uphold the law, be politically neutral and professional during the exercise.