Abia by-election: Police command deploys personnel, warns troublemakers

Abia State Police Command says it has commenced the deployment of officers and men to critical areas ahead of Saturday by-election in Aba North/South Federal constituency of the state.

The state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has announced restriction of movements in the Aba North and Aba South Local Government Areas (LGAs) from 8.00pm Friday, 26th March, 2021 to 6.00am Sunday, 28th March, 2021.

Only voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials on election duty, workers on essential duties with proper identification documents and security operatives are exempted from the restrictions within the stated period, according to a statement from the state government.

The state police command warned those it described as troublemakers to stay away from the places where election would be taking place especially, adding any attempt to truncate the electoral process would be resisted.

Speaking with ABN TV on Friday, the Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, said the police were ready to ensure the safety of the people before, during and after the electoral process.

“I’m urging members of the public, particularly those in Aba North and South to go out and exercise their franchise because Abia State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies are ready to ensure the safety of lives and property throughout and beyond the period,” he said.