The Anambra State Police Command has redeployed 4,300 policemen to different locations in the State, for the Anambra Central Senatorial district election rerun holding on Saturday.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Amawbia.
He said three policemen would man each of the 1,448 polling units in the seven local government areas involved.
The commissioner also said movement would be restricted in the seven LGAs.
He warned any group planning to foment trouble during the poll to have a rethink or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.
His statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Anambra State Central Senatorial election is scheduled to take place on the 13th January, 2018 at 109 wards of the seven LGAs of the state.
“Based on the above, the command wishes to inform the public that there will be restriction of movement within the affected local government areas.”
He listed the affected LGAs as Awka North, Awka South, Dunukofia, Njikoka, Idemili North, Idemili South and Anaocha.
He said, “The police and other security agencies are ready to ensure that the electioneering and voting on 13th January, 2018 are conducted smoothly without public disturbance; and assure all political parties, candidates, supporters, including the general public of their safety throughout the period of voting and collation.
“Anambra State is known for peaceful conduct of elections; I urge residents to be peaceful and orderly on the election day”.
Reminded of a Federal High Court judgment on December 13 which pronounced Chief Obiora Okonkwo the senator of the district, Umar said, “Nobody has served us with any court order stopping the election.
“Besides, police don’t conduct elections. INEC conducts elections and the commission has informed us that we should assist them to conduct the January 13 election and we shall do.
“If anybody foments any trouble during the election, we shall decisively deal with such person or persons, no matter how highly placed.”
Source: (Punch Newspaper)
