As Anambra State prepares for Saturday governorship election, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Department (FID), DIG Benjamin Okolo, who also doubles as the DIG in charge of the elections, has read the riot act to criminal elements in the state or risk the wrath of the police.
The DiG who gave the warning in Awka, yesterday at Police Headquarters,assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to safeguard the state .
The IGP, in his directive earlier this week, had ordered all police commands and formations to ensure watertight security around the state and intensify intelligence-driven operations to forestall any attempt to disrupt the exercise.
He also cautioned political actors against actions capable of breaching the peace, reiterating that the police would not hesitate to enforce the law where necessary.
Speaking during an interview at the Command Headquarters, DIG Okolo said that all security arrangements had been finalised to ensure a peaceful, fair, and credible election across the state.
He stated that the IGP had directed that maximum deployment of personnel, logistics, and intelligence assets be made to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and materials during the election.
Speaking on flashpoints and arrangement made by the police to contain any unrest in such areas, he reiterated: “Adequate security arrangement has been made in accordance with the IGP’s directive. Also, arrangements have been made to contain any issue that may arise during the exercise. Deployments have been made to respond swiftly to such incidents.”
He said that the Nigeria Police Force, working in collaboration with other security agencies, has conducted a series of pre-election engagements, including stakeholder meetings and the signing of a peace accord by political parties and candidates.
These efforts, he said, were aimed at promoting peaceful participation and deterring violence before, during, and after the polls.
“We assure the people of Anambra that, through our interactions with stakeholders, the peace accord, and the readiness of our men on ground, every intention has been made to ensure that the election is peaceful, fair, and credible,” he added.
DIG Okolo further appealed to voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear, assuring that security operatives had been properly briefed to maintain professionalism and neutrality throughout the process.
With the deployment of personnel across all 21 local government areas, checkpoints, and collation centres, the Police High Command has assured that Anambra is fully secured ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The DiG warned miscreants of any guise to resist from any act of criminality or any act to scuttle the election or risk the wrath of the force.
” Like I said ,we have made adequate deployment to forestall any act of criminality. Of course, they won’t have the opportunity, because we are everywhere and proactive.”
As at time of filling this report,the police Airwing has been showing force , hovering all over Awka, the capital of the state.
However,residents of Awka, have expressed hope that the election would be peaceful.
They commended the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere during his post-election peace campaign across every nook and cranny of the state.
A resident, Mike Nwokike, told our Correspondent that prior to the election, CP Orutug had visited all the divisions and area commands, including villages and towns to sensitize residents, urging them to ensure peaceful polls.
Another resident, who spoke in Onitsha, Akunne Ikechukwu, said: “There is no cause for alarm in Anambra. The Police and Army have done their job well. Before now, the Co CP Orutugu, had visited everywhere, campaigning for peace.”
Another resident, Chioma Ikeom, lauded the Police Command for doing the groundwork that led to the peace the state is enjoying now.
