CP Tony Olofu, the Anambra State Commissioner of police, has ordered political parties participating in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election to submit the schedule of their rallies to the command.
Olofu made the order on the backdrop of the recent attacks on supporters of some political parties in the State, which led to loss of four lives.
In a press release by the State’s Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner said the schedule would help police ensure security in all rally venues.
He said: “The CP reiterated his earlier request for political parties to forward schedules of their political activities to the command as they commence political campaigns within the state.
“The CP alluded to the fact that campaigns are a critical part of the electioneering process. This therefore will enable the police high command provide adequate security for the safety of participants at such events.”
He added that this would help the command deploy other tactical and operational units, as well as traffic control policemen to strategic points to ensure that the existing 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 agents. This will definitely prevent hoodlums from launching attacks on unsuspecting party faithfuls and properly secure such events.
“The CP, however, admonished such officers that 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 coordinate themselves and cooperate with the police and other security agents in the course of discharging their constitutional responsibilities,” he added.