From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi state Governor, David Umahi has called on citizens not to entertain fears on the hovering flight patrol of Officers of the Nigerian Air force across the State .
Umahi made the call on Friday shortly after his meeting with the Security Chiefs at the New Governor’s Lodge, Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The Governor clarified that the operation was to ensure miscreants do not exploit opportunities to cause breakdown of law and order during the general elections.
“We also got a surprise package from Security Chiefs from Abuja all geared towards having a free and fair election. Ladies and gentlemen, let me inform you we have a flying Officer from the Nigerian Air force, Enugu.
“I want Ebonyians to know that they would be flying low to maintain law and order so you should not entertain any fears.”
He assured that efforts have been put in place to ensure hitchfree elections in the State, and added that efforts were to instill confidence on the voters, as deployment of electoral materials and personnel have been concluded to ensure free and fair elections.
He expressed concern about possible cases of existence of fake election observers and urged Security Agencies to checkmate the situation.
The Governor also directed Security Agencies to ensure that movement across polling units during elections are prohibited within the State.
“We have also agreed that anybody seen with gun that shouldn’t have gun or trying to disrupt the election processes should be immediately arrested and taken away.
“I have instructed all my party people including those of other parties not to violate electoral laws, anyone doing so must be arrested.”
Umahi also emphasized that though the activities of Ebubeagu Security outfit has been suspended, it’s replacements, the Neighbourhood Watch and Vigilante Corps would not participate in Election Security.
Meanwhile, the meeting was witnessed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Faleye Oluwale, Ebonyi state commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other key functionaries of the state.