Security agencies have warned members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against plans to disrupt the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra state. The heads of the various agencies gave the warning yesterday in Awka, the Anambra state Capital after a crucial meeting held at the Commissioner of Police office to carry out security assessment of the state ahead of the poll.
The CP, Garba Baba Umar who read the resolution of the meeting to newsmen warned that security agencies are more than prepared to ensure that law abiding citizens participate fully in the election. The statement warned IPOB not to attempt to enforce its directive to boycott the exercise or prepared to be dealt with decisively.
The full 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."
