By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its peace-building and community engagement efforts ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc mnips PhD, calling on religious leaders and societal influencers to champion messages of peace, patriotism, and lawful conduct across the state.
This renewed advocacy for peace formed part of the Commissioner’s non-kinetic approach to election security and came to the fore on Thursday, October 23, when the Founder and Spiritual Director of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, (popularly known as Odumeje) paid a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Awka.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the visit was part of the Command’s continuous stakeholder engagements designed to strengthen public trust and promote peaceful coexistence ahead of the election.
The Commissioner of Police, while receiving Prophet Odumeje and his team, emphasized that ensuring a credible, free, and peaceful electoral process in Anambra requires collective responsibility. He noted that religious leaders, opinion shapers, and societal influencers play a vital role in shaping public behavior, especially during periods of heightened political activity.
The Command, he explained, will continue to reach out to traditional rulers, clerics, community leaders, youth groups, and civil society actors to strengthen public awareness on the importance of peace and order before, during, and after the election. He further reaffirmed that the Police under his leadership remain apolitical, professional, and fully committed to providing a secure environment for all citizens and political parties.
Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, in his goodwill remarks, commended the Commissioner of Police and his team for their openness, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. He offered prayers for divine wisdom and protection upon the Police leadership and expressed readiness to continue supporting the Command’s peace-oriented initiatives through faith-based advocacy.
According to the PPRO, the visit, which attracted senior police officers and aides of the popular cleric, further attests to the Anambra State Police Command’s dedication to inclusive, people-centered policing and community engagement as essential strategies for sustainable peace and credible elections.
The Command further reaffirmed that its doors remain open to all lawful stakeholders and well-meaning citizens committed to building a safer and more united Anambra State.
More photos from the visit:
