As Anambra electorate file out to elect a governor of their choice today, Governor Willie Obiano has urged registered voters to turn out not only in large numbers but early enough to exercise their franchise.
Obiano made the appeal as the State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, assured that his men have taken strategic positions in the state to ensure that voters cast their votes without fear of intimidation from any quarters, TheNiche reports.
In apparent response to the request by the governor, accreditation had commenced in Awka, the state capital, as early as 8.30 am.
Obiano, who made the appeal in a release by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, explained that an early turnout had become necessary because voting will close at 2.30pm.
About two and a half million people registered for the election in which 18 political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP) will participate.
Obiano assured the people that the voting will be peaceful, free and fair.
Thirty four thousand five hundred policemen have arrived from different parts of Nigeria to boost the 5,000 strong Anambra State Police Command.
They will be assisted by large numbers of men and women from other arms-bearing services like the army, navy, the Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Security and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Obiano reminded the people that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has not only rescinded its decision to prevent people from voting in the election but also urged voters to come out in droves.
He commended the IPOB leadership for listening to the cries of not only Ndi Anambra but also other concerned persons from all over the Southeast and beyond, including traditional, religious and civil leaders.
He added: “Every leader must endeavor to carry the people along in all its undertakings”.
Echeng on his part, insisted that with the security arrangements on the ground, voters have nothing to fear, adding that the Police had fortified all the entry and exit points in the state
