Anambra elections: IGP orders arrest of politicians inciting populace as LP suspends chairman, seven others over alleged endorsement of Obiano

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim  Idris, has directed the immediate arrest of politicians or group either inciting or making financial inducement to influence the outcome of Saturday’s Anambra State governorship elections.
The IGP handed down the directive on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing officers and men of the Force Headquarters.
He, therefore, ordered all police officers to wear their conventional police attires, displaying their name tags for easy identification and  warned against any acts inimical to the success of the election.
The number one cop advised them to do their best by avoiding issues capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the police both during and after the elections.
” You must avoid extortion of money  from either politicians or the electorate; any act that will infringe on the Electoral Act and the peaceful conduct of this election will not be tolerated.
” You must do your utmost best to protect the electorate, INEC officials and the election materials ,” he said.
He urged them to refrain from all corrupt practices and work toward the success of the election.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of Labour Party, on Wednesday, announced the immediate suspension of its chairman, Mr Uche Ugwuoji, for alleged anti party activities.
The party also suspended seven other members for “collaborating’’ to endorse the candidature of Governor Willie Obiano of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the election.
The LP Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Eddy Okoye, announced the suspension at a news briefing in Awka.
He described the action of the suspended members as “selfish, illegal and a demonstration of anti party behaviour.’’
Okoye named others affected by the suspension as Mr Ejike Onuora, Mr Alex Obi, Mr Bertram Enukora, Mr Ifeanyi Mbagwu, Mr Greg Mmerube, Mr Longinus Nnajiofor and Mr Okecima Anizoba.
He explained that their action was capable of affecting the party’s chances at the forthcoming poll.
“The Labour Party hereby dissociates itself from the purported endorsement of Governor Willie Obiano by some people masquerading as the party’s executives in Anambra.
“The affected members have been suspended immediately for insubordination, gross indiscipline and anti party activities,’’ he said.
In his reaction, the suspended chairman said the decision of the party was “unfair’’ and dismissed claim that they endorsed Obiano as false.
“The allegation is not true, we have our own candidate; how can we endorse another party’s candidate?
“This is frivolous, baseless and handiwork of people who want to start up another crisis in Labour Party,” Ugwuoji said.