Mr Aderemi Adeoye, Police Commissioner in Anambra ,in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police,IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered restriction of vehicular movement in some parts of Anambra State.
The areas involved are Nanka, Orumba North and Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Governments Areas from midnight of February 2 to 6 pm February 3rd.
The information was contained in a press statement made avaliable to journalists on Friday in Awka by DSP Tochukwu Ikenga,Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command.
The restriction is due to the rerun elections in Nnewi North and Orumba North LGAs of Anambra State, scheduled for Saturday, February 3, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The statement revealed that Adeoye has ordered massive deployment of personnel to provide adequate security for the electorate as well as officials taking part in the election.
Ikenga said that apart from those engaged with the electoral process in one role or the other, only staff of 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 has also 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,”the statement reads.
Ikenga disclosed that State-established and private owned security organisations, 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.
Ikenga said that 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.
He warns politicians to eschew violence and avoid any act that could disrupt the process.
He stated that the Command is prepared to deal ruthlessly with political thugs, ballot box snatchers and other miscreants who might try to cause chaos.
The electorate and residents in the areas of the rerun election are enjoined to be law-abiding and vigilant.
They are to promptly report crime and any electoral offence they observe to law enforcement agents at the polling units or at the nearest police station.
They may also call the Command Control room number 07039194332 or112 for prompt response
