Akwa Ibom Rerun: CP Edgar Speaks On How To Identify Police Officers

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Imohimi Edgar, has revealed that police officers who are not assigned to the rerun elections in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state would be arrested, investigated and prosecuted.

CP Edgar noted that the rerun elections would not be business as usual, he called on his men to repel an attack by hoodlums who may invade the polling units with arms.

The Commissioner of Police while speaking with newsmen said all modalities have been put in place ahead of the elections, he urged stakeholders to warn their party members and supporters against violence during the election.

In his statement, he said, “we have agreed that every security agent that will be involved in the conduct of the elections on Saturday will wear an identification tag, if any security agent with whatever reason is found around polling units in Essien Udim without identification tag, he would be arrested immediately investigated before the normal disciplinary procedure follows.”

“This time around, it’s not going to be business as usual, we are not going to allow anybody to come to Essien Udim to distort the electoral process. We have instructed our men, should the situation arise where unknown persons try to invade any polling unit armed with dangerous weapons such as firearms, cutlasses, hammer etc. They should invoke the necessary clauses in the force that fall under section 237 as amended and use proportionate force to ensure that those invaders are instantly dealt with.”

Edgar urged stakeholders to warn their children not to be used by politicians or political party during the election.

“We intend to tell stakeholders to go back to their various communities to draw the ears of their children and warn them not to allow any politician or political group use them for any form of thuggery.”

CP Edgar added that there would be restriction of movement in Essien Udim, he called on the people of the area to work with security operatives to ensure a free and fair election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mike Igini, while speaking on the election said the polls would be the most supervised and monitored because directors from Abuja will monitor every polling units.

“We are using the card readers for authentication and our officials are ready to conduct the elections on Saturday,” Igini added.