Anambra Guber: Police Threaten Showdown With IPOB Members

The Anambra State police have issued stern warning to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, over its earlier threat to disrupt upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

Recall that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had earlier given a sit-at-home order to members of the group ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November, 2017.

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Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed reports that some members of the group have vowed to boycott the sit-at-home order in a bid to disrupt the electoral process.

But in a statement signed on Tuesday by the state commissioner of police, Garba Baba Umar, the security agency said it will not tolerate any attempt by IPOB members to cause chaos during the elections.

Umar 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 aggrandizement thereby threatening democratic processes causing serious security threats in Anambra State in particular, and the Country at large.

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“This is unacceptable and would not be tolerated. In as much 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 the Governorship Election has been scheduled for November, 2017 by the body responsible for elections in Nigeria and that is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and 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.

“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 lives and properties,” said the police commissioner.

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