From Harry Awurumibe in Awka, Anambra
The Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba has warned agitators, political actors and electoral offenders of the consequences of their actions if they decide to impede the smooth conduct of the Anambra state Governorship Election billed for Saturday November 6, 2021.
He also said that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and other sister security agencies including the army are fully ready to combat those issuing out threats as an effective election management operational guidelines have been designed to match any eventualities.
IGP Baba spoke on Wednesday at the Election Stakeholders’ Meeting with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu held at Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center Auditorium in Awka.
Bishop Mathew Kukah, IGP Alkali Baba, INEC Chairman, Prof Yakubu; National Commissioner, Festus Okoye and Anambra REC, Dr. Nwachukwu Orji at Stakeholders’ Meeting in Awka, on Wednesday.
According to him: “I decided to be present in this Election Stakeholders Meeting with the INEC Chairman because of the importance of the governorship election to the people of Anambra state and survival of Nigeria’s democracy”.
“I want to assure all and sundry that the Nigerian Police Force is fully prepared to deal with the threats coming from some groups and none state actors. Over 35, 000 Police personnel have been mobilized to take the lead and it will be completed by sister security agencies. I assure you that every Polling Unit will be provided with security”.
The Police boss also warned political parties supporters and candidates to know that the Electoral Offences such as vote buying, wearing clothing materials with party logos and branded items as well as the sale of alcoholic beverages are prohibited and offenders arrested and prosecuted.
At the event were INEC Chairman and full compliments INEC top management and seven Resident Electoral Commissioners and Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese and Secretary of Election Peace Accord.
Also, present were traditional and religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations, Women Groups and representatives of Heads of all the Security Agencies and Para-military bodies in Nigeria.
Others include some candidates of some political parties like Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of APGA; Chief Valentine Ozigbo of PDP; Senator Andy Ubah of APC and Dr. Obiora Okonkwo of ZLP.
