Nov 8: Peace Committee, Police Join Forces to Curb Election Violence in Anambra

Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has joined forces with the Peace Mediation Committee in the state to curb election violence before and during the November 8 governorship election.

According to Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, a special political desk has been established to document challenges related to politics and the election to ensure better management of potential flashpoints and a peaceful election process.

“We have established a political desk to document all political activities during the election. The desk will record every political information challenge, problem and other things that happened during the election.”

During a meeting with the committee, at the Command Headquarters, CP Orutugu expressed concern over the current state of politics in Anambra, citing low levels of political enlightenment and a lack of discipline in the system.

“The level of political enlightenment is very low. There is no longer discipline in the system because of politics. Everybody wants to win.

“The character of politics and political maneuvering in Nigeria, especially in Anambra, is not just about the dividend of democracy but ‘I pass you’.”

He emphasized the need to engage politicians and their supporters to align with the desire for peaceful elections, promoting popular political emancipation and redefining the “I must win” ideology.

The Anambra Peace Mediation Committee was formed by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) to promote peace and address potential conflicts in the build-up to the election.

At the meeting, Secretary of the committee, Ugochi Freeman, who led other members to the visit, briefed the CP on their peace efforts, including the recent peace walk aimed at promoting peaceful interactions. 

She emphasized that the committee’s primary objective is to promote peaceful electioneering campaigns among all political parties, fostering a calm and stable environment before, during, and after the elections. Additionally, she called for collaboration with the police command to further enhance their peace initiatives.

“Our committee comprises individuals of integrity from religious institutions, academia, media, and NGOs, and focuses on mitigating conflict using Pre-election Security Risk Assessment findings,” she said. 

“Our mandate is to promote peaceful electioneering, conflict prevention and resolution, advocacy, mediation, public enlightenment, and stakeholder engagement.

“The aim is for peaceful elections and increased trust among stakeholders, guided by our core values of Peace, Integrity, Inclusivity, Respect, Fairness, and Collaboration,” she added.

In other remarks, Venerable Joseph  Nweke, representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), explained that the Committee will help address any skirmishes that may arise, and mediate to promote a peaceful environment and election in line with the law. 

Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo from the Institute of Peace and Development Studies, UNIZIK, warned that a catastrophically managed election could have long-lasting consequences. He stressed the importance of proactive conflict management and need for police to take a lead role in guiding efforts to ensure a successful outcome.

“Our mission is to ensure peace. The state cannot survive without peace. Elections will come and go but Anambra State will continue to exist.  If we run the guber election in a catastrophic manner, the outcome may linger for a very long time.”

Contributing, immediate past Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, lauded the police command’s performance during the recent senatorial by-election in the state, expressing optimism that the November 8 governorship election will be even more effectively managed, given the police’s proven track record.

Another committee member, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, commended Police for being proactive to addressing potential hotspots that could disrupt the election process in the state.

Other attendees at the meeting included Alhaji Garba Haruna, Chief Imam of the Muslim community; Dr. Ekene Ezinwa Nwankwo, Public Relations Officer at Anambra State Polytechnic; and Ifeyinwa Unachukwu from Anambra Broadcasting Service.