Egbetokun insists only federal agents should provide security during forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election
-Warn IPOB, others to keep off
Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Ben Okoro, has warned non-state actors of the Nigerian police zero tolerance for election brigandage He gave the charge during the signing of the National Peace Accord at International Conference Centre, ICC, Awka, the state capital, ahead of the Saturday’s election.
According to IGP Egbotekun, these include state-owned vigilante groups, Ebube-Agu, the indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, and the Eastern Security Network, ESN. They were sternly warned to stay away from the upcoming November 8 Anambra Governorship Election.
The IGP stressed that responsibility for security provision during the governorship election is sorely that of federal agents.
He threatened that the police would deploy decisive force on any individual or group caught bearing arms to obstruct lawful voting or undermine the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
His words: “Any attempt by IPOB, ESN or any other non-state actor to interfere with the forthcoming election shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response,”
“Precision targeted intelligence operations are already active to identify, isolate, and dismantle any network or individual floating acts of intimidation, of violence the Nigerian state will respond firmly, lawfully and conclusively. The peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated.
“Furthermore, any person or group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorized security duties outside recognized federal agencies shall be treated as an armed non state actor.
“Such persons shall be swiftly neutralized, arrested and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the terrorism prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 this remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation.
“The Nigerian police force has activated the zero tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure total compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws.
“Electoral offences will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct. Offences such as ballot snatching, vote buying, or voter intimidation are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022.
“Officers are under strict instruction to effect immediate arrest based on first evidence and to ensure diligent prosecution through the electoral offences desk already activated across the state.
“The objective is simple, to deter misconduct through swift and exemplary enforcement.
“In addition, specialized cyber crime units are deployed to monitor, trace and counter a digital misinformation, fake news and coordinated online propaganda aimed at destructing public peace or discrediting the process.
“The following Election Day protocols are binding and enforceable under federal law. VIP movement: No political appointee, candidate of VIP is permitted to move with armed escorts or security aids to polling or coalition centres.
“Personnel mobility: Only accredited INEC officials, election observers, and journalists may move freely between designated areas.
“Party agents and security personnel must remain within their signed jurisdictions.
“Prohibited conduct: Campaigning, partisan display or any act capable of causing provocation within the vicinity of polling units is prohibited.
“Possession of any weapon or instrument of intimidation will attract immediate arrest to all political parties, candidates, and campaign managers. The responsibility for peace rests heavily upon you.
“The Nigerian police force will hold political leadership directly, directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters,”he also added.
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