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By Madu Obi
THE Anambra State Police command has announced the restriction of movement in Nnewi town and Nanka in Orumba North local government council, the two areas rerun elections would hold on February 3, 2024.
The command has also deployed massive operatives to the two towns and announced immediate restriction of VIP security aides in the state from 6pm on February 3.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth had earlier said that the election would be held in five polling units and four wards in Nnewi North, and 16 polling units and one ward in Nanka.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, said the Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye has assured of adequate security for the electorate, as well as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Ikenga's statement read: "In view of the rerun elections in Nnewi North and Orumba North LGAs of Anambra State scheduled for Saturday, February 3, 2024, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, 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.
"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 6p.m. on 3rd February, 2024."
"Apart from those engaged with the electoral process in one role or the other, only staff on essential services will be allowed free movement based on exigencies and duty schedule."
"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, 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."
"The CP wishes to urge the electorate in the affected areas to troop out in their numbers to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or molestation."
The PPRO warned politicians to eschew violence and avoid any act that could disrupt the process, stating the preparedness of the command to deal ruthlessly with political thugs, ballot box snatchers and other miscreants who might try to cause chaos.
He also urged the electorate and residents in the areas of the re-run election to be law-abiding and vigilant, advising them to promptly report crime and any electoral offence they observe to law enforcement agents at the polling units or at the nearest police station.
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