The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 15, with headquarters in Borno, Mr. Yahaya Abubakar on Wednesday charged police personnel to respect human rights while on election duties.
Abubakar gave the charge in Gombe while sensitising officers ahead of Saturday’s election duty in the state.
He told personnel that election duty was an opportunity for personnel to contribute their quota to the much-needed peaceful transition in democratic governance.
He said when personnel performed their duties creditably; it would help to improve the image of the police and help to secure the trust and confidence of the public.
“You must observe and respect the fundamental rights of citizens while on election duty.
“It is unlawful for officers to use excessive force in dealing with voters to such a point of being incapacitated to perform their civic responsibilities,” he stressed.
According to him, the use of excessive force is capable of driving voters away.
“In the event of public disorder, all operation measures are to be adopted in restoring law and order instantly and that must be done in compliance with the human right laws,” he stressed.
Abubakar also charged officers to be mindful that they were being watched and that their actions could dent the image of the police if they were not in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
“Remember that the world is watching you and your primary duty during election is to assist INEC officials on the maintenance of law and order at the polling and collation centres,’’ he said.
The AIG called on the operatives to be fair and to discharge their duties in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
He stated that any deviation by any officer on election duty would be investigated and necessary sanctions meted out to erring personnel.
On his part, Mr. Oqua Etim, Commissioner of Police in Gombe commended the personnel for their professionalism throughout the electioneering campaign period.
Etim also lauded the media for their contributions in promoting peaceful coexistence through their peace-focused reportage.
