Maduako Igbokwe l Friday, November 05, 2021
ONITSHA, Anambra – Ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll in Anambra State, the Nigeria Police has assured that it will remain neutral in all their operations and activities during and after the election.
This was made known by Deputy Inspector General of police DIG in charge of Operation, Mr. Zaki Ahmed on Thursday while addressing journalists and civil societies organisation on police preparedness towards the guber election at the state police command , Awka North.
According to him, the police and other security agencies are on ground to provide needed security in the state to ensure seamless and credible election. He assured that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to ensure safety of voters.
According to him, the security forces are collaborating with other stakeholders to ensure a hitch free exercise.
” I want to assure you about the police neutrality in the policing the state . We are working with other security agencies and the media to ensure that the election is free, fair ,credible and transparent ” he said.
He also stated that police have enough manpower to contend with any challenges that may arise from the election. The DIG also said that there will be restriction of movement starting from midnight, Friday to midnight, Saturday.
According to him during the period police will not allow any person into the state or out. He also disclosed that there would be intervention squad at all local governments to respond to emergencies. On the allegation by the Anambra State Government that some elements in the police had planned to arrest some government officials to weaken the party in the election ,Ahmed dismissed it as fake.
He also stated that police doors are opened to receive any compliant and are alive to respond to their responsibilities. One of the civil society organisation that spoke to us expressed confident at the level of preparedness by the police and the independent national elections commission INEC for the election .
The founder and convener of Civil society situation for election Mrs. Ene Obi , said she was quiet relaxed and comfortable with what is on ground. She said that with what she saw , the 2021 election would change the narrative in Anambra state election.
” I think this election is going to change the narrative in Anambra state. I believe , there it will be peaceful and credible election in the state. The citizen have to come out and vote for their choice ‘ she said.
