By Ayomide Otitoju
As part of ongoing security preparations for the November 8, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, has visited the Aguata and Otuocha Area Commands to engage with security stakeholders, officers, and community leaders.
During interactive sessions with officers and community representatives, CP Orutugu reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains a neutral and non-partisan institution, emphasizing that the Force has no interest in who wins or loses the election. He assured that the Police are fully committed to ensuring a peaceful, credible, and violence-free electoral process before, during, and after the polls.
The Commissioner charged Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders, and operational teams to uphold professionalism, discipline, and fairness as political activities intensify. He reminded officers to remain apolitical and guided strictly by the Electoral Act, the Police Code of Conduct, and Standard Operational Procedures.
CP Orutugu also convened stakeholder meetings involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, town union executives, youth and women organizations, vigilante groups, and other community security structures. The discussions centered on improving intelligence sharing, discouraging voter intimidation, preventing electoral violence, and promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Acknowledging the prevailing calm in Otuocha, the CP commended communities for adopting dialogue and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in place of past communal clashes. He encouraged the formation of internal peace committees to resolve civil land disputes, noting that such issues should not be misrepresented as criminal matters.
CP Orutugu assured Ndi Anambra of adequate security measures, including intelligence monitoring and rapid response deployments, to ensure safety throughout the election period. He urged political actors and citizens to refrain from inflammatory statements or actions capable of disturbing public peace.
He reaffirmed that the peace, unity, and collective stability of Anambra State remain the utmost priority of the Police, above any partisan considerations.
