In order to ensure a level playing field for all politicians and political parties in Abia State, the Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has enjoined security agencies in the State to accord all parties equal opportunities to lawfully carry out their political activities and campaigns in Abia.
Governor Otti gave the charge during the monthly State Security Council Meeting, where security situations across Abia are regularly reviewed to sustain and improve on the gains recorded in keeping the State safe and secure.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), assured of their readiness to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027.
According to CP Afolabi: “We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. A lot of matters were discussed, some centered on the forthcoming elections, and I believe His Excellency has made our work easier. He told us explicitly and in clear terms that all he wants is for us to create a level playing field for all. He also directed that any political party that applies for approval to hold campaigns should be granted express approval. By that, he has made our work less cumbersome.”
The Police Commissioner while speaking on the preparedness of security agencies to ensure a violence-free electioneering, pointed at the recent three-day Regional Police Retreat recently held in Imo State – chaired by the Inspector-General of Police and attended by some Governors, senior police officers and other stakeholders – adding that with the support of the Abia State Government, security agencies are fully prepared to ensure rancour-free campaigns and elections in 2027.
Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), said: “Basically, His Excellency is a just man. He has made the job simple, as the Commissioner of Police has just said – politics without bitterness. He has given his go-ahead that all political parties that want to campaign should not be impeded, as long as they pay the approved fees for the use of stadiums or any public facilities. They are free, without hindrance, to carry out their campaigns. With this level playing field across party lines, we do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse.”
Navy Commander Ubah however warned that mischief-makers would have the law to contend with, stressing that every act capable of breaching public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The law has a long arm. The long arm of the law will catch up with anyone who wants to perpetrate trouble or cause mayhem. The State will not sit back and allow anyone to intentionally break the law,” he warned.
