ANAMBRA POLL: FG Downplays IPOB Threat

ANAMBRA POLL: FG Downplays IPOB Threat

The Federal Government has assured the electorate in Anambra of their safety during the November 18 governorship election in the state.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked the electorate in the state to boycott the election, threatening that anyone who votes in the election will “die” The Federal Government in its response, has urged eligible voters in the state to disregard the threats by IPOB and turn out en masse to exercise their franchise during Saturday’s poll.

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari, who made this call, assured the people that the security agencies are prepared to forestall any breakdown of law and order and protect voters during the election.

He said, “The renewed threat by IPOB is not taking the authorities by surprise. All adequate measures to checkmate their excesses and those and other unlawful groups with regards to the election are already in place.

“The security agencies are prepared to forestall any breakdown of law and order and to protect voters, other election actors and the general public toward a hitch-free election.

 “Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is very prepared to conduct the election. Let no one be afraid or in doubt; the election will hold on November 18, and will be free and credible. Voters are therefore implored to turn out en masse, without fear of intimidation, and freely cast their votes.”

Abari stated this in a statement on Monday, describing the renewed threat by the IPOB as an attempt to stampede the will of the Anambra electorate.