From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command yesterday said it had uncovered plans by some misguided elements to disrupt peace in the state, vowing to punish anyone or group that foments trouble in the state.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner of Police, Garba Baba Umar, the command said some people had perfected plans to declare that the scheduled November 18, 2017, governorship election in the state would not hold.
Apparently referring to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which had insisted that it would not allow the Anambra governorship election or any election in Biafraland until a time for a referendum on Biafra is set, the command said it would not tolerate such threats to the democratic process.
The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn that some misguided elements have perfected plans to disrupt the relative peace through streets protests and to declare that the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 2017 will not hold. This is to achieve their selfish political aggrandisement, thereby threatening democratic processes and causing serious security threats in Anambra State, in particular, and the country, at large.
“This is unacceptable and would not be tolerated. Inasmuch as the command and sister agencies respect the right of individuals to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, we would, however, not fold our arms and watch disgruntled elements truncate the peace in the state, which the law enforcement agencies are working assiduously to maintain.
“It is to be noted that the governorship election has been scheduled for November 2017 by the body responsible for elections in Nigeria, that is, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and it is the only competent authority that can make any pronouncement regarding the conduct of elections.
“To this end, the security agencies wish to assure the good people of Anambra State that the election shall hold as scheduled peacefully and successfully. We will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or groups under any guise that will disrupt public peace.”
The command, therefore, urged the people of the state to disregard the statements of those it said had no authority and go about their lawful duties and business: “Finally, members of the public are enjoined to disregard such pronouncement and go about their lawful businesses. The security agencies further assure Ndi Anambra and all other residents in the state of their readiness to protect life and property.”