Nov 8 Poll: IGP Warns Anambra Guber Candidates, Supporters Against Violating Peace Accord

By Praise Chinecherem

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has reassured Police preparedness to ensure Saturday’s governorship election was conducted under atmosphere of absolute security, fairness, and public confidence.

The IG gave the assurance on Monday in Awka during the signing of Peace Accord for the Governorship Off-Cycle Election by National Peace Committee (NPC).

Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Ben Okolo also assured neutrality of the Police and other security agencies in the management of election security.

According to him, the Police have developed an integrated, intelligence-driven operational plan designed to prevent infractions, neutralize threats, and secure the electoral process from the beginning to the end of this electoral process.

He however warned that peace of the State is not negotiable while the integrity of the election would not be compromised.

He said, “The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stands prepared to ensure that this democratic exercise unfolds under an atmosphere of absolute security, fairness, and public confidence.

“The Force acknowledges the sensitivity of elections in a dynamic environment like Anambra State. We are not unmindful of the political, social, and security complexities that often define such contests.

“The Force shall remain neutral yet assertive; civil yet firm; professional yet unyielding in the discharge of its duties.

“We are resolute that under no circumstance will criminality be permitted to masquerade as political expression.

Egbetokun further disclosed deployment of officers and men to cover all 4,608 polling units, ensuring voter safety, ballot integrity, and the protection of election officials.

“The responsibility for election security is an exclusive preserve of the Federal Government and its recognized agencies.

“Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force hereby issues an immediate and total proscription on the activities,
operation, or assembly of any non-state or state-controlled quasi-security formation during the election period.

“Let it be clearly established that no group has the authority to dictate movement, obstruct lawful voting, or undermine the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“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 will 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 Nigeria Police Force has activated a Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Protocol to ensure total compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws.

“Our professionalism will be matched by decisiveness; our restraint by precision. Electoral offences will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct.

“Offences such as ballot snatching, vote-buying, thuggery, or voter Intimidation are felonies under the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Officers are under strict instruction to effect immediate arrests based on prima facie evidence and to ensure diligent prosecution through the Electoral Offences Desks (EODS) already activated across the State.

“In addition, specialized Cybercrime Units are deployed to monitor, trace, and counter digital misinformation, fake news, and coordinated online propaganda aimed at disrupting public peace or discrediting the process.

“Those who weaponize misinformation to incite violence will be traced, apprehended, and prosecuted under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.)

“No political appointee, candidate, or VIP is permitted to move with armed escorts or security aides to polling or collation centres.

“Only accredited INEC officials, election observers, and journalists may move freely between designated areas. Party agents and security personnel must remain within their assigned jurisdictions.

“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 Nigeria Police Force will hold political leadership directly accountable for the conduct of their supporters.

“Campaign with honour, persuade rather than provoke; and remember that power attained through violence is illegitimate and unsustainable.