The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Muhammed Barde, says the state vigilance group, Ebubeagu, will not be part of the security organisations to be deployed for election duties.
Mr Barde gave the assurance during a one-day interactive meeting with the members of the public and the signing of a peace accord organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri on Thursday.
“This issue of security personnel who wear black and black, we have reasons for it, but I assure you that on Election Day, you will only see Policemen in full uniform. “I want to assure Imo people that the Ebubeagu will not be part of the election,” Mr Barde said.
The CP said the police would continue to stem politically-motivated violence, killings and kidnappings, warning that politicians who hire thugs and arm them to wreak havoc would be dealt with. He urged candidates and political parties who might feel aggrieved during and after the elections to seek redress through legal means rather than taking to violence.
“As a security agency, all the political parties belong to us. This forthcoming election, by the grace of the Almighty, will be free, fair and credible.
“I will like to urge all the politicians to go close to their Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders who are closer and who could answer your complaints accordingly,” Mr Barde advised.
The police chief also advised residents to call the phone numbers 08034773600 and 08098880197, in case of emergencies.
