Anambra Election: DIG, AIG Resign, Redeployed, See Why

Anambra Election: DIG, AIG Resign, Redeployed, See Why

A Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Joseph Egbunike and an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) deployed to Anambra State for the governorship election on Saturday have resigned from their posts.

iexclusive News Nigeria reports that two senior police officers were redeployed by Inspector General of Police Baba Alkali, but no reason was given.

However, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer Princess Nkeiruka Nwode stated that no one resigned.

She stated that only DIG Egbunike was assigned to another important task.

She described as untrue the reports making the rounds that another AIG also left, adding that the media should always avoid fake news

Our correspondent in Awka learned that they resigned as a result of alleged covert moves by some politicians to undermine them.

“We learned they were being harassed by some of the political parties to work for them, and some of these officers want their integrity intact, so they decided to leave the assignment,” a source said.

However, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room expressed concern about the Commissioner of Police’s constant deployment in Anambra State ahead of the November 6 governorship election.

The group was reacting to the unannounced removal of Deputy Inspector General Joseph Egbunike as head of the State’s special police team on Friday.

Convener Ene Obi told reporters in Awka that the state had six Commissioners of Police in six months, leaving them to wonder what was causing the change.

“This state has a bit of a reputation in terms of police deployment,” she said. I recall being on the ground a month ago for a meeting with the security agencies.

“We just finished speaking with the CP who had been there for less than two months, and around 8.30 p.m., he was removed before the meeting ended.”

“In Anambra State, there have been six CPs in six months.” Only the AIG and IGP know what’s going on and why they’re deploying and redeploying at the last minute.

“This same DIG who addressed us yesterday is ironically from this state; we have no idea what is going on.”

Obi stated that the Situation Room would collaborate with her over 70 partners and networks to observe the election and receive reports from the State’s 21 local government areas.

Situation Room is relying on assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force that they are fully prepared for the election, with INEC assuring that logistics and deployment are fully under its control and the Police assuring that the security situation will be kept under control,” she added.

Obi commented on the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying, “Our reports indicate a seamless distribution process at the various centers, although the distribution began late due to the late arrival of the PVC.”

“Obviously, some people may be disenfranchised if they are unable to relocate today.” But I don’t believe INEC will intentionally disenfranchise people. They only need to be held accountable for the PVCs’ late arrival.

“I believe the government declared a public holiday to allow workers to collect their cards.” However, no incidents of confrontation have been reported in any of the centers.

Obi went on to say that security agencies escorted the sensitive materials to their various destinations.

“Both the police and INEC have promised to carry out their mandates, and we must hold them accountable.” “We’ll keep an eye on them,” she said.

She outlined the areas of monitoring as early distribution and deployment of personnel and materials, timely poll opening, and adherence to COVID-19 Protocols on Election Day.

“Other areas of monitoring include INEC ad hoc staff’s knowledge of election procedures, voting procedures, particularly the efficacy of the new Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS), the transmission of polling unit results, and a transparent collation process,” she added.