……….Charges Security Agents to ensure Level Playing ground.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

In Abia State, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, has charged security agencies in the State to ensure that all political parties are given the opportunity to lawfully carry out their political activities and campaigns.

Governor Otti gave the charge during the monthly State Security Council Meeting at his country home in Nvosi.

Having once been a victim of an assassination attempt that claimed the lives of two police officers attached to him during his political journey to serve the state, the governor.may be saving lives and discouraging violence.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the duo assured of readiness to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027.

According to CP Afolabi: “We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. A lot of matters were discussed, some centered on the forthcoming elections, and I believe His Excellency has made our work easier. He told us explicitly and in clear terms that all he wants is for us to create a level playing field for all. He also directed that any political party that applies for approval to hold campaigns should be granted express approval. “By that, he has made our work less cumbersome,” he said.

On the preparedness of security agencies to ensure a violence-free electioneering period, the Police Commissioner disclosed that following a three-day Regional Police Retreat recently held in Imo State and chaired by the Inspector-General of Police with governors in attendance, security agencies are fully prepared to ensure rancour-free campaigns and elections in 2027.

For his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), said: “Basically, His Excellency is a just man. He has made the job simple, as the Commissioner of Police has just said – politics without bitterness.

“He has given his go-ahead that all political parties that want to campaign should not be impeded, as long as they pay the approved fees for the use of stadiums or any public facilities. “They are free, without hindrance, to carry out their campaigns. With this level playing field across party lines, we do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse,” he said.

Ubah warned that mischief-makers would have the law to contend with, stressing that every act capable of breaching public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The law has a long arm. The long arm of the law will catch up with anyone who wants to perpetrate trouble or cause mayhem. The State will not sit back and allow anyone to intentionally break the law,” he said.

Hopefully, the security operatives will work in accordance with the governor’s directive to avoid escalating issues during tensed moments.

By Editor,.

Anambra state commissioner of police CP Ikioye Orutugu has directed the immediate transfer of the case of a political fight at Nri, Anaocha L.G.A. to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka .

According to a press statement signed by the police public relations officer in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, the sim was to uphold the mutual pact already resolved by the parties and for a more discreet investigation.

During a campaign rally at Nri, a fight had ensued between opposing parties following alleged destruction of another party’s billboards by supporters of another party.

The Anambra State Police Command promptly waded in and restored calm.

The statement read, “Anambra state police command today 1st August 2025 at about 1.30pm, swiftly intervened and restored calm following a report of a political squabble at Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, during a political campaign rally.

“The incident reportedly arose after supporters of a Political party allegedly pulled down three campaign billboards belonging to another party leading to a brief disturbance in the area.”

The parties had a peace meeting with the police in order to de-escalate the tension where an agreement was reached to replace the billboards as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD has urged political actors and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the ambit of the law.

He directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) political desk to uphold the already resolved pact by the parties and for a more discreet investigation.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State command, CP Danladi Isa, has decorated 60 newly promoted ASPs, Inspectors, rank-and-files at the state command headquarters.

He, thereafter had the monthly command’s conference for strategic officers at the officers mess in Umuahia.

The conference featured a session on Life After Retirement by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Administration, ACP Enahoro George and the Pension Officer of the Command.

The CP in his lecture commended the officers for their dedication and relentless efforts particularly the tactical teams.

He acknowledged the significant achievements recorded by the command, attributing them to the professionalism and resilience of officers.

He educated officers on the key points from the recent concluded IGP’s conference, which includes; professionalism, integrity, intelligence-led policing, and timely response to security matters.

There was emphasis on the improvement of the welfare of retired police officers, performance evaluation, and the need to uphold confidentiality of official documents.

In Addition, the CP urged officers to take care of their physical and mental health, increase intelligence gathering efforts, and avoid unprofessional practices such as unnecessary inspection of vehicle particulars with the view to extorting money from unsuspecting victims.

He warned against over-detention, corruption and any form of misconduct. He called on HODs to properly supervise their subordinates and monitor their AORs, ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state.