Ahead of the rerun elections in Nnewi North and Orumba North Local Government Areas of Anambra State scheduled for Saturday, February 3, 2024, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye has ordered massive deployment of personnel to provide adequate security for the electorate as well as officials taking part in the election.
Also in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in Nanka, Orumba North LGA, and Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA from midnight to 6 p.m. on 3rd February 2024.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this in a chat with newsmen on Friday, on the preparedness of the Police towards the exercise.
The two constituencies affected by the rerun in the state are Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo as well as Orumba North and South Federal Constituency.
According to Ikenga, apart from those engaged with the electoral process in one role or the other, only staff of essential services will be allowed free movement based on exigencies and duty schedules.
“As such, belonging to such services is not enough. There must be evidence that such staff are on duty to be allowed free movement.
“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 privately 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,” he said.
The Anambra Police spokesperson reiterated the CP’s call on the electorate in the affected areas to troop out in their numbers to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or molestation.
“The CP warns politicians to eschew violence and avoid any act that could disrupt the process, as 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 offense 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,” Ikenga concluded.
