By Praise Chinecherem
Members of the Anambra State Vigilante, AVG have been told to steer clear of election security duties during the Saturday’s Local Government Elections in the State.
Anambra Service Commanders gave the warning during a joint press conference by Federal Security Agencies in the state, held at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka.
The Commanders also announced a restriction of movement across the state, commencing at 6 am and ending at 4 pm.
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the security agencies, Commissioner for Police, CP Nnaghe Obom Itam assured massive deployment to prevent movement into the state at the entry points, as well as within the state.
“The joint federal security agencies have activated sufficient security personnel and patrols to ensure a safe and secure environment for the conduct of the exercise.
“Vigilante operatives are not involved in election security because they are members of the communities and may have political interests.
“It is imperative to emphasize some of them are even candidates in the election. So, they should go out and cast their votes for their preferred candidates,” he stated.
While insisting that the election is not a do-or-die affair, the CP urged the electorate to come out and participate peacefully in the election.
He said, “We want to create enabling environment for people to participate in the exercise and to avoid any breach of security.
“We urge Anambra people to come out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.
“The Local Government elections will help restore the third tier of government, which is where participatory democracy is in action.
“For us as federal security agencies, we are committed to ensuring adequate security during the exercise.”
The CP however revealed that election would not hold noted in some communities of Ogbaru and Ihiala Local Governments, where there is heightened insecurity, such as Lilu, Issekke, Akili-Ogidi, Mbosi, Azia and Ubuluisiuzo.
“Voters in these identified areas will have their elections at the local government headquarters,” he stressed.
