By Emmanuel Peter
The Anambra state police command said it has mobilized about four thousand six hundred and eighty eight (4,688) of its men for the conduct of the Senatorial district re-run election slated for Saturday 13th January, 2018.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Garba Umar, made this known while speaking with journalists shortly after a stakeholders meeting with INEC officials in Awka the state capital. He noted that his men and other sister agencies are on ground to ensure the successful conduct of the election.
Mr. Garba assured the citizens of the state of their safety during and after the conduct of the election. He however, advised that voters should go out and vote the candidates of their choice.
“We are capable and I assure you that we will have hitch free exercise, my men are around to fortall any break of law and order. We station at least three policemen in each of the polling units across the seven local government areas where elections will hold”
He however added that there will be free movement in the areas where elections will not take place. “People are allowed to go about their normal businesses in the areas where elections will not hold,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Garba Umar was honored with an award, titled; Dedicated Servant of Nigeria award (DSN) by the civil society organization, Pan-African Leadership Transparency Centre, Abuja, for his selfless service and dedication to duties.
The coordinator of the group who spoke on behalf of the organization pointed out that Mr. Garba has transformed Anambra state within the shortest period he assumed office as the Commissioner of police in charge of the state.
“We honoured CP Garba as a result of his dedication in carry out his national assignment. During our investigation and assessments we found out that Anambra state is now the most peaceful state in the southeast states. As you can see, no more cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in the state. These are the reasons our organization have decided to honour him”.
While responding to the gesture, Mr. Garba thanked the organization for considering him worthy to receive the award. He said the gesture from Pan-African Leadership Transparency Centre is to spur him to do more.
“I really appreciate your kind gesture coming from this reputable organization of yours, I believe this is a big challenge for me to do more. I thank you for honouring me”.