The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye has ordered massive deployment of personnel to provide adequate security for electorate as well as officials ahead Saturday’s rerun elections in Nnewi North and Orumba North LGAs of the State by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Commissioner, according to a statement by Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, also ordered restriction of vehicular movement in Nanka, Orumba North LGA and Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA from midnight to 6p.m. on February 3, 2024 in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.
He said apart from those engaged with the electoral process in one role or the other, only staff on essential services would be allowed free movement based on exigencies and duty schedule.
He however argued that belonging to such services was not enough as there must be evidence that such staff were on duty to be allowed free movement.
The CP advised electorate in the affected areas to troop out en masse to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or molestation, just as he warned politicians to eschew violence or any act that could disrupt the process.
The statement partly reads, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has restated the restriction of all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their politician principals to polling booths and collation centers during the election.
“This will be enforced to the letter. Politicians are advised to respect themselves and comply with the order in the interest of peace.
“State-established and private owned security organizations, as well as other quasi-security outfits, are not to be involved in any way with electoral security management.
“The Command is collaborating with sister agencies to provide adequate security throughout the period of the election and beyond.
“The CP wishes to urge the electorate in the affected areas to troop out in their numbers to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or molestation. He warns politicians to eschew violence and avoid any act that could disrupt the process.
“He stated that the Command is prepared to deal ruthlessly with political thugs, ballot box snatchers and other miscreants who might try to cause chaos.
“The electorate and residents in the areas of the re-run election are enjoined to be law-abiding and vigilant. They are to promptly report crime and any electoral offence they observe to law enforcement agents at the polling units or at the nearest police station.
“They may also call the Command Control room number *07039194332* or *112* for prompt response.”
