By Izunna Okafor, Awka
As Anambra State gears up for the much-anticipated Local Government elections set to hold tomorrow, September 28, 2024, voters in the state have been urged them to come out en masse to exercise their franchise without any fear.
CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, gave the assurance on Friday while briefing newsmen at the State Police Command Head Quarters in Awka.
According to him, all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful, secure, and violence-free election across the 21 local government areas of the State.
Flanked by heads of other security agencies in the state, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others; the Police Commissioner reassured the public of the commitment of all security forces to maintain law and order during the election.
According to him, patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence-driven operations have already been activated across the state to forestall any unwarranted movements, security breach, or disruption of the voting process.
“I want to assure Ndi Anambra that we are fully prepared to safeguard lives and property during this election. We have deployed adequate personnel to all polling units and strategic locations across the state. Your safety is guaranteed, so come out and vote for the candidates of your choice without fear. It is your civic responsibility, and we are here to ensure it is done in a peaceful atmosphere,” CP Itam declared.
The Police Commissioner further re-emphasized that there would be restriction of movement, including at all the entry points in the state, from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM tomorrow to allow for the smooth conduct of the elections; adding nly those on essential duties, including election officials and accredited observers, would be allowed to move during this period.
“All entry points into Anambra State will be closely monitored by security operatives to prevent unauthorized movement. We have strategically deployed personnel to man these areas and enforce the restriction order. People are encouraged to stay in their localities, go to their designated polling units, cast their votes, and return home peacefully,” CP Itam added.
Continuing, the CP urged the people of Anambra State to see the election as an opportunity to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level and not as a contest of violence. He also called on political candidates, their supporters, and the general public to shun any form of violence or electoral malpractice, as election is not a do-or-die affair.
“Election is not a do-or-die affair. It is a democratic process where the people decide their leaders. I want to remind everyone that the law will take its full course against anyone caught attempting to disrupt the process or engage in violence. Let us maintain peace and ensure a smooth transition at the local government level,” he stated.
Fielding questions from journalists regarding security challenges in certain volatile areas, CP Itam acknowledged the ongoing security operations in places like Ihiala, Orsumoghu, Ubuluisiuzo, Lilu, Mbosi, Isekke, and Azia areas Ukpor, Akili-Ogidi, Ogbunka, Owerrezukala, parts of Nnewi South, which have recently witnessed heightened criminal activities.
However, he assured that special security arrangements had been made in those areas to enable residents to safely participate in the elections without fear, adding that electorates in some of those areas, like those in the Ihiala Local Government Area will cast their votes at the Local Government Secretariat.
The CP also called on the media to collaborate with the security agencies in disseminating accurate security information to the public; urging journalists to help spread the message of peace, calm, and voter participation.
