Anambra election: Submit your schedules of rallies to us to curb invasion, police tell parties

By MICHAEL OVAT, Awka

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Tony Olofu has ordered political parties participating in the forthcoming November 6, 2021 governorship election in the state, to submit their schedules of rallies to the Command, to curb a further invasion of political gatherings by hoodlums.

Olofu made the order against the backdrop of the recent attacks on supporters of some political parties in the state, which led to the loss of four lives.

In a press release by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner said the schedule would help the police to ensure security in all rally venues.

He said: “The CP reiterated his earlier request for political parties to forward schedules of their political activities to the command as they commence political campaigns within the state.

“The CP alluded to the fact that campaigns are a critical part of the electioneering process. This, therefore, will enable the police high command to provide adequate security for the safety of participants at such events.”

He added that this would help the command to deploy other tactical and operational units as well as traffic control policemen to strategic points to ensure that the existing public safety and order in the state was sustained.

“The teams are expected to carry out security patrols, surveillance, traffic control and patrols in conjunction with sister security agents. This will definitely prevent hoodlums from launching attacks on unsuspecting party faithful and properly secure such events.

“The CP, however, admonished such officers that would be deployed for this assignment to display a high level of professionalism and operate within the context of the law.

“He also called on members of the public to coordinate themselves and cooperate with the police and other security agents in the course of discharging their constitutional responsibilities,” the statement read. (Nigerian Tribune)