Against the By-election in Imo State for the Ngor-Okpala State Constituency election scheduled to hold on Saturday, February, 26, 2022, the Imo State Police Command has read the riot act for Politicians.
Tension and palpable fear have gripped the State, especially, Ngor-Okpala, over the activities and utterances of politicians in the State, especially those of the two main political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
But the Police, fearing violence and a breach of the peace, has warned of serious consequences, no matter who is involved.
Consequently, in a release signed by the Command’s Spokesman, CSP Michael Abattam, dated February 24, 2022, it has banned the use of siren, Orderlies and every security details. Such people, the Command said, who, usually, accompany VIPs, will be arrested if seen.
The Command, also, asked parents to warn their children to keep off trouble as they would be seriously dealt with when arrested.
Following is the Police Statement.
“In view of the forthcoming State Constituency Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, the 26th of February, 2022 in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, the Imo Police Command, wishes to reiterate the command’s readiness not to deviate from the tenets of impartiality and professionalism. And will not tolerate any act of breakdown of law and order before, during and after the election.
“The Command, therefore, wish to inform the good people of Imo State especially, those residents in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state that, there will be restriction of movement from 6am to 4pm and appeal to all and sundry to come out en-mass with their valid PVC to exercise their civic responsibility without fear of intimidation or harassment
“All political parties, their flag bearers and supporters are advised to conduct themselves in a manner that will guarantee safety, smooth and peaceful conduct of the election.
“Politicians and VIPs coming to exercise their franchise are to do so without their security orderlies .
Also personnel of any security agencies seen escorting any Politicians or VIP as orderlies will be arrested. Moreso, the use of sirens, canvassing or soliciting for votes during the election period is prohibited .
“In the same vain, parents and guardians are equally advised to warn their children and wards to stay out of trouble during this period and they should not allow themselves to be used by any politicians to cause crisis in any act of thuggery, gangsterism and hooliganism.
“Meanwhile, the Command is working assiduously with other security agencies to provide adequate security to ensure a level playing ground for all the political parties and all eligible electorates to exercise their franchise peaceful.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo state Command, CP Rabiu Hussaini, psc enjoin the good people of imo state, especially, residents of Ngo Okpala to be law abiding and voluntarily comply with the order restricting unnecesary movement during the election period, unless those on essential duties . He also advised that they should report promptly any acts of electoral malpractice, political thurggery or any criminality observed to the nearest Police Patrol Team or call the Police Emergency Control Room number; 080347773600 or 08098880197.”
The By-election is to fill the vacancy created by Toochi Okereke whose seat was declared vacant over his unexplained absence from plenary since 2021.
CSP MICHAEL ABATTAM
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
IMO STATE COMMAND.
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