By Odita Sunday
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has applauded the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as a commendable, professional, and efficient performance during Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State, noting that the exercise was largely peaceful, free, and fair.
According to the Commission, the professional conduct of officers and men deployed across the state gave legitimacy to the electoral process and reflected improved policing standards during elections.
Bar. Taiwo Lakanu, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police and leader of the PSC monitoring team, lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun, for ensuring adequate deployment, logistics, and operational readiness of personnel during the poll.
Lakanu, who visited several polling units across the state, expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere of calm and orderliness.
“I didn’t witness any ballot snatching or intimidation where I visited. The process was smooth, and voters exercised their rights without fear,” he said.
He added that the Commission remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at improving police performance in elections to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a similar vein, Ferdinand Ekpe, mni, Director of the Department of Police Discipline and leader of the PSC team in Anambra North, reported effective collaboration between the Police and other security agencies. His team monitored several polling units across Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, and Oyi Local Government Areas, noting a strong inter-agency synergy and professional conduct by officers on election duty.
At the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, George Muruako, Deputy Director of the Department of Police Investigation and team leader, also commended the Police for their courtesy and coordination at polling centres in Agu Awka and Anaocha Local Government Areas.
He noted that an average of three to five police officers were stationed at each unit, supported by personnel from sister agencies such as the NSCDC.
Similarly, in the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, the PSC team led by Mrs. Justina Okurubonye, Deputy Director of the Department of Police Investigation, visited five local governments Orumba North, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, and Nnewi North and reported that officers on duty were professional, easily identifiable, and maintained control throughout the voting process.
The PSC concluded that the overall conduct of the Police during the Anambra Governorship Election was above average, reflecting improved operational discipline and inter-agency collaboration.