23,000 policemen, other security operatives for guber election in S-East

By Anayo Okoli

Umuahia – OVER 23,000 policemen and other security agents have been mobilized for today’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in the five South East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

This came as stakeholders for the election in Abia State have accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Austin Okojie, of compromising in his activities on the issues of the elections in the state.

The stakeholders, including governorship candidates, party chairmen, at a meeting with the REC, Police Commissioner, Brigade Commander of 14 Brigade, Ohafia, other security chief, openly accused the REC of working for the ruling government in the two previous elections and planning the same for today’s elections.

The meeting was very crucial as the REC who denied the allegations, had serious exchange of words with party chairmen, especially APGA governorship candidate, Chief Reagan Ufomba, PPA chairman, Ezeogo Emeka Onuoha and other party chieftains.

Meanwhile, DIG Ivy Uche Okoronkwo, who is overseeing the April 2011 elections in the South East zone, yesterday announced that the police and other security personnel were ready for today’s elections.

Briefing journalists in Umuahia, Okoronkwo announced that “well over 23,000 officers have been mobilized from the five police commands and sister security agencies within the South East zone and beyond for the purpose of policing the elections.”

Okoronkwo said the officers had been “adequately trained, briefed, equipped and strategically deployed.”
The DIG also warned that restriction of movement during the polls was still in force and that Ministers, legislators and other very senior government officers with police escorts will leave them at 300 metres, while they go to cast their votes.