Insecurity: Ahead of Nov. 6 polls, FG threatens to impose state of emergency in Anambra

By Ajuma Edwina Ameh

In its bid to ensure maximum security for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra state, the Federal Government has threatened to declare a state of emergency in the state.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, disclosed this at the end of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

“When our national security is attacked, and the sanctity of our constitutionally guaranteed democracy is threatened, no possibility is ruled out,” he told reporters.

According to the minister, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the sustenance of the nation’s democratic order as well as provide security for lives and properties.

“As a government, we have a responsibility to ensure the sustenance of our democratic order. As a government, we have a responsibility to provide security to life and properties.

“So within the context of these constitutional obligations, of the government or the desire to establish democratic norms and order, there is no possibility that is out ruled.

“The government will certainly do the needful in terms of ensuring that our elections are held in a Anambra in terms of ensuring necessary security is provided, and in terms of ensuring protection is accorded to lives and properties.

“So, what I’m saying in essence, no possibility is out ruled by government in terms of ensuring the sanctity of our democratic order. in terms of ensuring that our elections in Anambra holds, you cannot out rule the possibility of declaration of state of emergency where it is established,” Malami also said.

“Our position as a government is this elections are going to hold. Necessary security in terms of democratic order must certainly prevail for the purpose of this election.

“So we resolve to have these elections. The elections are going to hold and no possibilities are ruled out in terms of ensuring the provision of security for the purpose of the conduct of the election, as far as Anambra is concerned,” he stressed.