As part of ongoing efforts to ensure a peaceful, secure, and credible Anambra governorship election, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, has intensified his election peace-building and stakeholder engagement tour across the State.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Police Commissioner visited the Ogidi Area Command and paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Igwe Uzo Alexander Onyido (Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom), in continuation of his advocacy for peace, security, and community cooperation ahead of the November 8 governorship poll.
CP Orutugu Commends Traditional Institutions as Key Partners in Sustaining Peace
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, discipline, and moral guidance within their domains.
He noted that traditional leaders remain strategic partners in preventing election-related violence, discouraging youth involvement in political thuggery, and promoting communal harmony during and after the election.
The CP urged the Ogidi Palace and community leaders to continue mobilizing residents for peaceful participation, while encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities or movements that could threaten public safety before, during, and after the election.
Igwe Onyido Commends CP’s Proactive Engagements, Pledges Palace Support
Responding, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Onyido, lauded CP Orutugu for his proactive leadership and commitment to grassroots peace-building. He pledged the Palace’s full cooperation in advancing the cause of security and civic responsibility within Ogidi and neighbouring communities.
The traditional ruler also called on youths, political actors, and community stakeholders to shun violence, hate speech, and actions capable of destabilizing the peace and unity of the area.
Police Remain Neutral and Professional – CP Orutugu Reassures Officers
After a strategic closed-door session with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) under the Ogidi Area Command, the Police Commissioner addressed officers and men of the Command, reaffirming the non-partisan and professional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force.
He emphasized that the duty of the Police is to secure the electoral process, protect voters’ rights, and ensure a safe environment for all political parties and participants—without interference in electoral outcomes.
CP Orutugu further revealed that security agencies in Anambra are operating in synergy, working round the clock to guarantee peaceful pre-election, election-day, and post-election operations across the State.
Stakeholders Pledge Support for Credible and Peaceful Election
During an interactive session held at the Area Command, attended by key stakeholders including the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Stanley Nkwoka, Vigilante Operatives, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) members, Presidents-General of communities, and other leaders, participants commended the Command for its sustained engagement and pledged total support for a peaceful, credible poll.
Stakeholders also assured the Command of enhanced intelligence-sharing and strengthened community-based security collaboration to aid the success of police operations during the election period.
Police Assure Ndi Anambra of Adequate Security Measures
Concluding the visit, CP Orutugu reassured residents of Anambra that adequate deployments, surveillance operations, and rapid response units have been activated across all Local Government Areas of the State.
He urged Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and peaceful, stressing that the security, peace, and stability of the State remain a shared responsibility between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
“The Nigeria Police will continue to uphold professionalism, neutrality, and fairness throughout the electoral process. Our commitment is to protect the people and ensure that the will of the electorate prevails peacefully,” CP Orutugu stated.