Less than four days to the gubernatorial polls in Anambra State, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has withdrawn all the security aides attached to the state governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Willie Obiano.
As a result of the development, Governor Obiano has raised an alarm, saying he was no longer comfortable contesting the governorship elections slated for November 18 as his life has been exposed to imminent threats.
He stated this in Awka on Tuesday during an election stakeholders meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clear grey areas and address pressing issues ahead of the polls.
Describing the IGP’s act as totally unacceptable and dangerous, the Governor demanded the immediate return of his security details in order not to constitute further threats capable of overheating the polity as he was ready to fight back with any means if the issue was not addressed.
“I want my security details returned immediately because I am going to start a fight from here. I am the governor of the state and all the paraphernalia of my office must be there,” Obiano said.
He added: “This is unacceptable and a sign of what will happen. Those behind this will be disappointed because we are ready for this election.”
Speaking later at the meeting, IGP Idris said the police decided to withdraw policemen attached to politicians because of previous experiences where such officers worked for their masters during elections.
He further disclosed that movement would be restricted on the day of the elections, adding that the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Garba Umar had been asked to step down, to be replaced by another commissioner who had no affinity to the state to ensure neutrality and fairness during the elections.
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