Ahead of Saturday's gubernatorial election in Anambra State, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has directed the Deputy Inspector General, DIG, 'B' Department, Philemon I. Leha to coordinate all security operation in the state, assuring of a violence-free polls.
The IGP said his action is part of a conscious effort towards protecting the integrity of the electoral process and forestalling acts that may constitute threats to the safety and security of voters as well as electoral officials and materials.
Abubakar, who also ordered a massive deployment of personnel and logistics of the Force to Anambra, described Leha as an officer with a robust operational background who was a former Commissioner of Police in the state.
A police statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Frank Mba and made available to our correspondent in Abuja quoted the IGP as ordering Leha to immediately relocate to Awka for an effective coordination of all security operations for the election and to ensure that the Force maintains a firm grip on its security network covering the over 4,000 polling units and all the collation centres in the state.
Consequently, the police said all striking units of the Force, including personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), the Bomb Disposal Unit and the Police Air-Wing are to be deployed in strategic places.
"While aerial surveillance and patrols will be provided by the Police Air- Wing with the support of the Air-Force, all parts of the state linked to water ways, will be effectively patrolled by the Force Marine Department, which will be ably supported by the Navy," Mba stated.
Abubakar has also ordered all Policemen involved in the election duty to ensure that they work in line with the Police Code of Conduct and international best standards while those attached to VIPs and politicians involved in the Anambra election are also strongly warned to ensure that they do not conduct themselves in a manner capable of undermining the electoral process throughout the period of the election.
He said officers found breaching their oath of office will be severely dealt with. He appealed to the people of Anambra state, especially the aspirants, to peacefully conduct themselves within the confines and requirements of the law.
He challenged them to lead by example by helping to maintain a civil and tranquil atmosphere devoid of harassment and tension.
Abubakar equally advised parents and guardians to keep watchful eyes on their wards so that they are not deployed for illicit purposes under any guise, as the Force will not hesitate to deal with any miscreant and his ally or sponsor.
Co-ordination of operations is very essential in times like this cos it will really aid development.
For sure something can be brought out of this if it is done diligently and effectively. I'm superly sure