Anambra: CSOs raise the alarm over election security

Civil society organisations, under the umbrella of Situation Room, have expressed concern over the security situation in Anambra state ahead of the governorship election.

The CSOs say the redeployment of police personnel may have led to a breakdown in inter-agency committee on election security.

The inter-agency committee oversees the Independent National Electoral Commission’s preparedness in terms of security.

In a statement made available to TheCable, the Situation Room commended the efforts of the police to maintain law and order in the days leading up to the polls.

It, however, said: “The Situation Room is very concerned about the massive redeployment of police personnel from the state, starting from the commissioner of police right down to divisional police officers (DPOs).

“These redeployments ostensibly brings in new police personnel who are put out as non-partisan, but raises questions about whether they have new loyalties that could undermine the impartiality of the Police.

“In addition, it has disoriented INEC’s preparations for the elections.

“This apparently indicates that the Police may not be working in tandem with INEC to determine its security needs and priorities.

“Apparently the inter-agency committee on election security may have collapsed.”

The group pledged its unwavering support for the smooth running of the election.

“Situation Room will take every step to ensure unbiased observation of the Anambra state governorship election and will maintain the highest possible standards of election observation and support to the electoral process,” it said.

The Anambra governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, November 18.