By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

As part of ongoing security engagements ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra Governorship Election in Anambra State, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has visited Aguata and Otuocha Area Commands to interface with security stakeholders and officers and men of the Command serving in the areas.

Speaking during the interactive sessions, the Commissioner reiterated that Nigeria Police Force remains a strictly neutral and non-partisan institution.

He stressed that the Police is not interested in who wins or loses the election, but is firmly committed to ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful, credible, secure and free of violence before, during and after the polls.

According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Orutugu charged Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operational teams to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, courtesy and firmness, especially as political activities intensify.

He emphasized that officers must remain apolitical and guided strictly by the Electoral Act, the Police Code of Conduct and Standard Operational Procedures.

The Commissioner also held stakeholder engagements which involved Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Town Union Executives, Youth and Women Organizations, Local Vigilante Groups and other Community Security Structures.

He said: "The dialogue focused on strengthening local intelligence sharing, discouraging voter intimidation, countering electoral violence, and promoting peaceful civic participation.”

While acknowledging the relative calm in Otuocha, the CP commended communities in the Area for adopting dialogue and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) over communal clashes that historically occurred in the area.

He encouraged communities to constitute internal peace committees to resolve civil, land-related disagreements, noting that such matters are civil in nature and should not be misdirected to the Police as criminal cases.

The CP further urged residents of Anambra to go about their lawful political activities without fear, even as he gave assurance that adequate deployments, intelligence monitoring and response units are already activated to secure the state during the election period.

“Political actors and community members should avoid inflammatory actions or statements capable of destabilizing the peace currently enjoyed in the state.

“The peace, unity and collective stability of Anambra State remains paramount and above partisan interests”, Orutugu stated.