Anambra 2021: IGP Sends Strong Warning To IPOB, Speaks On Heavy Security Deployment

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has warned that security operatives will be decisive in dealing with any group or persons planning to cause trouble during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

The IGP warned that the heavy deployment of security operatives is to forestall any action by non-state actors including the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

The Police Chief while warning such persons and groups to stay clear of the Anambra elections however urged well-meaning citizens to come out and exercise their civic duties, stating that all is in place to keep them safe.

The IGP spoke on Wednesday during the stakeholders’ meeting in Akwa ahead of the November 6 gubernatorial elections in Anambra State.

He said, “This massive deployment is not designed to intimidate the law-abiding as being insinuated in some quarters.

“On the contrary, it is to reassure them of adequate protection by deterring misguided political elements as well as non-state actors that might be bent on threatening the election through acts of armed violence or other conducts that violate the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“It is to also serve as a strong warning that the government is determined to bring such subversive characters to justice should they advance their ignoble, undemocratic and unpatriotic intents.

“The overriding objective of our operational action plan is to ensure an environment that is peaceful enough to encourage the law-abiding people of Anambra State to exercise their electoral franchise.

“The message here is clear. For the political actors and electorates that are law abiding, they are fully assured of optimal security.

“However, for the destabilising elements and other deviants who despite all wise counsels are determined to deploy violence and other illegal means to advance their political interests or constitute a clog in the wheel of peaceful atmosphere for the election, they should be prepared for the consequences of their actions as they will be identified, isolated and decisively dealt with irrespective of their status, ideological inclinations or political affiliation.”

He added that not only operatives of the Nigeria Police are ready for Saturday’s election but all other security agencies in the country as they will be working together to ensure a successful electoral process.

He urged all security operatives to be guided by the rule of law in discharging their responsibilities.