The Commissioner Of Police in Anambra State, CP Echeng Echeng, has charged political parties in the state to promptly notify the command of their campaign activities as they prepare to kick-start political campaigns across the state.

Echeng gave the directive, yesterday, during a meeting with leaders of political parties in the state in his office at the Command headquarters, Awka, insisting that campaigns are a critical part of election process.

Those who attended the meeting were Head of Department, Electoral Operations, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, Mr. Anuforo Kingsely, Assistant Commissioner of Police, operations, ACP Anietie Eyoh, and other leaders of political parties in the state.

According to him, the directive will enable the Command provide adequate security for safety of participants at such events.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Anambra Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, said: “CP Echeng, today, met with leaders of political parties in the state in his office, and urge them to promptly notify the Command of their campaign activities as they commence political campaigns across the state.

“The CP affirmed that campaigns are critical part of the election process. This, therefore, will enable the Command provide adequate security for safety of participants at such events.

“The Command shall also deploy other tactical and operational units, as well as traffic control policemen to strategic points to ensure that public safety and order in the state is sustained. The teams are expected to carry out security patrols, surveillance, traffic control and patrols in conjunction with sister security agencies.”4

“This will prevent criminal elements/hoodlums from taking advantage of unsuspecting party faithful and properly secure such events.”

Echeng, however, admonished officers, who would be deployed for this assignment to display high level of professionalism and operate within the context of the law.

He also called on members of the public to comport themselves and cooperate with the police and other security agents in the course of discharging their constitutional responsibilities.