From: Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Heads of Security agencies in Anambra State comprising the Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence, NDLEA and Directorate of State Security (DSS), have warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and any other group planning to disrupt the upcoming governorship election in the state to have a rethink or face the consequences of such actions.
Commissioner of Police Garba Umar, who read the riot act on behalf of other security chiefs after their meeting at the Police Command Headquarters, Awka, said security agencies in the state would deal decisively with any group that threatens to disrupt the upcoming governorship election in the state.
It would be recalled that the IPOB had recently asked electorate to boycott elections in the state and the entire South East until a referendum was granted by the Federal Government.
However, Umar said such directive would not be tolerated.
He warned that security agents will not fold its arm and watch “disgruntled elements truncate” the peace in the State which they are working assiduously to maintain.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn that some misguided elements have perfected plans to disrupt the relative peace through streets protests and to declare that the Anambra State Governorship Election Scheduled for November, 2017 will not hold.
This is to achieve their selfish political aggrandizement thereby threatening democratic processes causing serious security threats in Anambra State in particular, and the Country at large.
“This is unacceptable and would not be tolerated. In as much as the Command and sister agencies respect the Right of individuals to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, we would however not fold our arms and watch disgruntled elements truncate the peace in the State which the Law Enforcement Agencies are working assiduously to maintain.
“It is to be noted the Governorship Election has been scheduled for November, 2017 by the body responsible for elections in Nigeria and that is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and is the only competent authority that can make any pronouncement regarding the conduct of elections.“To this end, the security agencies wish to assure the good people of Anambra State that the Election shall hold as scheduled peacefully and successfully. We will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or groups under any guise that will disrupt public peace.
“Finally, members of the public are enjoined to disregard such pronouncement and go about their lawful businesses. The security agencies further assure Ndi Anambra and all other residents in the State of their readiness to protect lives and properties.”