*Orders Raids On Flashpoints
*INEC Extends Collection Of PVC
THE Commissioner of Police(CP) in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has stated that local vigilante groups will not be involved in security during the November 8 governorship election in the state.
According to Orutugu: “Every Agunechemba member should stay away from polling units. You are citizens, like everyone else, vote peacefully and go home.
“From 6 p.m. on the eve of the election, no vigilante should appear in uniform near any polling station.”
He stressed that election security remained the constitutional duty of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other statutory agencies, not community-based groups.
Speaking on Monday, October 27, during his visit to the Ihiala Area Command and Oraifite Divisions, as part of his ongoing statewide engagements on election security, the Police chief reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to ensuring the protection of lives and property of residents and the conduct of a peaceful, secure and credible election.
Orutugu charged Polce officers and men to uphold discipline, professionalism, courtesy and the highest operational standards throughout the election period, saying: “Policing must remain people-centred, intelligence-driven and rooted in the protection of human rights.”
He stated that the Joint Security Framework in the state remained active and would be reinforced across communities to prevent criminal infiltration and maintain peace before, during and after the election, adding: “We urge Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant and proactive in providing credible information that can support ongoing security operations.”
He later met with community leaders to strengthen cooperation ahead of the election and commended the gradual return of peace to Ihiala, assuring of improved Police presence and support.
The Police boss charged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines- 112 or 07039194332.
Meanwhile, the Police commissioner has ordered coordinated security raids on identified flashpoints across the state ahead of the election.
The Command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP), who made this known in a statement on Tuesday, October 28, in Awka, the state capital, said the measure was aimed at nipping any threats of political thuggery, cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms in the bud to ensure a secure and peaceful electoral environment.
“Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders must intensify intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security raids across identified flashpoints in their respective areas of jurisdiction in the state,” he noted.
Ikenga quoted Orutugu as noting that credible intelligence reports indicated that certain individuals and groups, acting on behalf of political interests, might be mobilising youths for violent activities before and during the election period, stressing that the Command would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt public peace, intimidate voters or undermine lawful electoral processes.
He reiterated that the Police remained neutral and non-partisan in the electoral process, as its duty is to protect the lives and property of the people, safeguard the integrity of the electoral space and enforce the law without fear, favour or political influence.
In a related development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the extension of the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state ahead of the election.
A statement by the Commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, on Monday, said the decision was reached at a meeting, following several appeals from citizens and stakeholders requesting more time to enable eligible voters to collect their PVCs.
As a result, the exercise, covering persons who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which was earlier scheduled to end on Sunday, October 26, has been extended from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2.
Registered voters yet to collect their PVCs are encouraged to take advantage of the extention to do so at the designated collection centres across the 326 Registration Areas (Wards) in the state.
INEC reiterated that PVC collection was strictly in person, as no collection by proxy is allowed.
While appreciating the patience, enthusiasm and cooperation of the good people, the Commission urged all eligible voters to use the opportunity to collect their PVCs and get ready to participate in the election.
