Imo State Police Commissioner Muhammed Barde says the state watchdog group, Ebubeagu, will not be part of the security organizations that will be deployed for election duties.
Barde gave the assurance during a day-long interactive meeting with members of the public and the signing of a peace agreement organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri on Thursday.
“This issue of security personnel who dress in black and black, we have reasons for this, but I assure you that on election day you will only see Police in full uniform.
“I want to assure the people of Imo that Ebubeagu will not be part of the elections,” Barde said.
The CP said police would continue to stop politically motivated violence, killings and kidnappings, and warned that it would deal with politicians who hire thugs and arm them to wreak havoc.
He urged candidates and political parties that might feel aggrieved during and after the elections to seek redress through legal means instead of resorting to violence.
“As a security agency, all political parties belong to us. This upcoming election, by the grace of the Almighty, will be free, fair and credible.
“I would like to urge all politicians to reach out to their Division Police Officers and Area Commanders who are closest and who could respond to your complaints accordingly,” Mr Barde advised.
The police chief also advised residents to call the phones 08034773600 and 08098880197, in case of emergencies.
Also taking the floor, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the state, Sylvia Agu, reaffirmed the willingness of INEC to hold the general elections.
Ms. Agu assured all political parties and candidates in the state that the commission would not undermine the electoral process, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
He urged the various political parties to deploy credible and vigilant party agents in the polling booths to monitor the elections.
“Don’t be afraid of fake ballots because INEC has personalized ballots for this election,” added Ms. Agu.
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Noting that violent attacks against supporters of political parties required the signing of the peace agreement, the REC called on security agencies to arrest, investigate and prosecute violators of the agreement.
Earlier, the state chairman of the Grand Alliance of All Progressives, John Iwuala, expressed concern about the use of the Ebubeagu security team for the elections.
In addition, the Secretary of State Organization of the Congress of All Progressives, Iyke Umeh, expressed his concern about insecurity in the state before the general elections.
According to him, many of his party’s faithful had been killed in attacks allegedly carried out by opposition parties.
(YAYA)