GARBA Umar, commissioner of Police, Anambra State command, has assured that they would provide adequate security for the state’s governorship election scheduled for November 18, 2017.

The commissioner, who made this known while interacting with newsmen, in Awka, the Anambra capital, gave details of how the election primaries were hitch-free because of the efforts by the police.

He re-assured that the main election would be in like manner.

According to him, plans have been completed for deployment of security personnel of no fewer than 16,000 to cover 4,000 polling units.

“As you are aware, we conducted about 35 primaries for the 35 political parties that are contesting the November 18 Gubernatorial Election in the state.

“All the primaries were concluded successfully without hitches; security was adequately provided and we were able to ensure that all major sectors in the state were covered.’’

Ahead of the November 18 polls, he said: “we have ensured everything possible to cover all flash points, the black spots and the polling booths.

“We assessed all positions and situations and we have looked at our deployment, how many personnel we need.’’

Umar added: “we discovered that we have 4,608 polling units. These polling units will be manned by four police officers each and when you multiply that it will give you 16,000.

“We have also identified how many streets that we think we may have problems.

“We have looked at the waterways. We have identified three major areas at the riverine areas, where we may have problems and we were able to secure police boats.

“These boats will be used to convey our materials as well as our personnel for the conduct of the election.’’

Umar also re-stated that Ndi Anambra had always been peaceful people, who would have faith in security agencies.

He, then, expressed hope that peace would not be breached during the elections.

The police warned mischief makers to steer clear, insisting that they would well-prepared to handle breach of law and order.

“For those who think they can import or bring in thugs into the state, we are appealing to you; do not because we have all it takes contain them.

“Do not come to Anambra, clear away, allow the electoral process to pass without hindrance,” Umar said.

– Oct 31, 2017 @ 13:03 GMT |