As the count down to the 2027 general elections in Nigeria continues, Police authority in Akwa Ibom State has reiterated their neutrality in the electoral process.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP. Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, stated this during a paper presentation at a two day statewide seminar on violence free election held at Ibom Hall, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to the Police boss, men and officers of his command will maintain a high level of professionalism all through the electioneering period, maintaining that, members of the police force does not have any candidate nor belong to any political party.

He stressed that the Police has a duty to protect voters, INEC officials, secure electoral materials, prevent attacks at polling units, coalition centres facilitate the work of journalists and above all, remain neutral.

He warmed against partiality among officers on election duties saying, the same level of protection given to the ruling party must be extended to members of the opposition party and highlighted the importance of inter agencies collaboration towards a violence free election in 2027.

“Nigerian police does not not have candidate and political party.
Our candidate is peace and our political party is the Constitution”

CP Baba Azare said a violence free election starts from the political rallies, campaign speeches before the actual election day calling on all stakeholders to act according to the electoral act and Constitution of the Federal Republica of Nigeria.
” In conclusion, the credibility of our election is not determined by what happened at the polling booth but also determined by what happened around the polling booth. Did voters arrive early, did they vote freely, were the electoral officers work without fear, were votes counted freely, was result secured, did winners celebrate responsibly, did the losers accept defeat without resorting to violence? These are questions surrounding electoral violence before the police and every other stakeholder.”

In his presentation, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Prof Anugbum Onuoha, said the commission has initiated strategies to reduce voter’s apathy in the forthcoming election. He reassured the people that INEC under his watch will uphold the sanctity of the ballot as well as adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

The two day seminar was declared open by the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD who said the government will continue to pursue security and well being of the citizens.

Represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Akon Eyakenyi, Ph.D, the governor stressed that belonging to different political parties did not make Akwa Ibom people less united, reminding political actors that after elections, citizens would continue to live together, worship together, trade together, raise their children in the same communities and share a common destiny.

He therefore charged politicians to demonstrate leadership through their language and conduct, warning against divisive rhetoric, incitement and the mobilisation of youth for violence.

According to him, “young people deserve opportunities, education, skills, jobs and a future, rather than being recruited, armed or manipulated for political purposes.”

A total of 600 gallant officers from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have departed Uyo for Saturday’s off circle election in Osun State.

Addressing the officers at the State Police headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, charged officers of the them to demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism, discipline, neutrality and respect for the rule of law throughout the assignment.

According to a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Commissioner reminded them that election duty is a sensitive national responsibility and that their conduct must reflect the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

CP Azare warned the officers against partisanship, intimidation of voters, extortion, harassment, unnecessary use of force, incivility, abandonment of duty posts, consumption of alcohol while on duty, or any other act capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.

He particularly cautioned the officers against violating the Inspector-General of Police’s Social Media Policy, stressing that officers must not post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner inconsistent with the policy or capable of compromising operational security and the image of the Force.

The Commissioner further stressed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has made adequate arrangements for the transportation of all personnel deployed from Akwa Ibom State to Osun State and their return to the State after the election duty. He therefore warned that no officer is authorised or expected to pay for his or her transportation either to Osun State or back to Akwa Ibom State.

He directed all officers to travel strictly through the officially approved transportation arrangements and warned commanders and other personnel against collecting money from any officer under the guise of transportation or related movement expenses. He further directed that any attempt to demand or collect such money should be immediately reported through the appropriate channel.

“You are going to Osun State as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. You must remain completely neutral and professional. Do not allow yourselves to be used by any political party, candidate or individual. The Inspector-General of Police has made adequate arrangements for your transportation to Osun State and back. No officer should pay for his or her movement.”

CP Azare further directed the officers to remain under the command and control of their designated commanders, observe the rules of engagement, protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, and ensure that their actions contribute to a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.

He warned that any officer found engaging in misconduct, extortion, unauthorised collection of money or violation of lawful directives would be held personally accountable and subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

The Commissioner wished the officers a successful assignment and safe return to Akwa Ibom State, urging them to distinguish themselves through discipline, courage, neutrality and exemplary conduct.

Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has continued to receive congratulatory messages from stakeholders and supporters across the state over his nomination as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom State.

The latest is coming from the Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon (Dr) Uko Umoh, who described the nomination of the governor by APC members across the state as a bold statement of his acceptability by the people

Speaking shortly after being counted among party members, Hon Uko Umoh, said the support from the people is an endorsement of his policies and programmes which has better the lives of an average Akwa Ibom person in the last three years of his administration.

“We have seen the projects across the state, we have heard of the billions released to settle pensioners, we have seen empowerment where beneficiaries were chosen in a transparent and credible manner. What about the political unity in the state? What about giving the people the power to be part of the budget process by organizing a town hall meeting across the ten federal constituencies?

“The governor has followed his economic blueprint for the state as contained in the ARISE Agenda and I am very confident that by 2031, he will leave Akwa Ibom far better than he met it”

Hon Uko Umoh who in the company of the Political Leader of Etinan, Isantim Kenneth Okon, visited the country home of the governor in Nsit Ubuim after the nomination exercise, assured the governor of the continuous support of the people of Etinan to his administration and the APC where he is the leader.