Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has told all security agencies in the state to ensure a level-playing gound for all political parties to lawfully carry out their political activities and campaigns.
Otti gave the charge during the monthly State Security Council meeting, where security situations across Abia State were discussed.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), assured journalists of their readiness to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027.
Said CP Afolabi: “We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. A lot of matters were discussed, some centred on the forth-coming 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”.
On the preparedness of security agencies to ensure a violence-free electioneering period, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that following a three-day Regional Police Retreat recently held in Imo State and chaired by the Inspector-General of Police, his Command is prepared for rancour-free 2027 polls.
Said the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), while corroborating the CP’s disclosure: “He (Governor Otti) 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 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.
