By Ifeizu Joe
Law enforcement agencies in Anambra State have tightened security around Anambra State, especially Awka the state capital, following the swearing in of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in Office.
Soludo had on November 8 won re-election for a second term in what many described as landslide victory. He will on Tuesday, March 17 be sworn in at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square. Several dignitaries are expected at the event, hence the huge security deployment around the state.
Already, the state police command and their counterpart at Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have deployed operatives to strategic parts of the state, as part of preparation for the upcoming event.
While police is deploying operatives including 100 newly trained and equipped personnel on armed and combat training from the Police College Oji River, NSCDC said it has deployed men for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a press release said: “The Command in collaboration with other security agencies, has stepped up security advocacy and public sensitization as well as operations across the State, to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free event.
“Recall that the Police Command received one hundred (100) well trained and equipped personnel on armed and combat training from the Police College Oji River, a few days ago.
“The Officers shall complement the strategically deployed personnel to critical locations, strengthened patrols, and enhanced intelligence gathering to maintain law and order before, during, and after the inauguration ceremony.
“The command also urges residents, stakeholders, and visitors expected for the event to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel as efforts are being made to guarantee the safety of all dignitaries and members of the public.”
On the other hand, the state NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde told journalists that: “The protection of Anambra residents and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure is paramount to us, and my operatives, both armed and others on covert operation, are ready to give this national assignment its best.
“At this point, we cannot allow miscreants and vandals to take advantage of the celebration mood to perpetrate evil against the state and its inhabitants. My personnel are on 24-hour surveillance around dark spots to avert plans of evildoers who may wish to perpetuate their devilish plots.
“We call on the residents of the state to troop out en masse to support the Executive Governor of Anambra State as he takes his oath of office for a second term.”
