The Nigeria Police Force has declared its readiness for the November 6 Governorship election in Anambra state, dismissing fears of a possible declaration of a sit-at-home by separatists.
It announced its plan to deploy six helicopters in the state to provide aerial patrol, surveillance and support for ground forces during the polls.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at a one-day forum on Inclusive Elections in Anambra State organised by the Press Corps of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.
Represented by a Chief Superintendent of Police CSP, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police boss said no one or group has the power to declare a sit-at-home in any part of the country.
He said: “I am sure you know that no individual has the right to declare a curfew or sit at home in any part of this country. Nigeria is a sovereignty. It is a nation and we know such swill not be tolerated anywhere and in any part of this country. So, we are not aware of any sit at home order from anybody. We know we are working with INEC to make sure we have Anambra Guber election come November 6. That is our stand.
“Before any operation, there is a Standard Operating Procedure which we use to design an operation order and that has been done. It has taken care of all possible threats. We have made efforts to deploy both human and material resources to support INEC, to make sure we have a free, fair, credible and acceptable election in Anambra.
“As I speak with you, the IGP is working on repairs of some of our helicopters so that we can have more aerial patrol, surveillance and support. I think about six helicopters are now under repairs as directed by the IGP so that we can fortify our teams and apart from Anambra election, so that we can still deploy them in some of our conflict theatres. So, we are very prepared”.
