By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
The Federal Government on Wednesday threatened to declare a state of emergency in Anambra State over spate of killings and destruction of properties in parts of the state.

The move formally indications is to ensure the sanctity of the November 6 governorship election fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, gave the indication while fielding questions from State House Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja.

He pointed out that nothing is ruled out in the determination to ensure a hitch-free election in Anambra state.
Malami said: “When our national security is attacked, and the sanctity of our constitutionally guaranteed democracy is threatened, no possibility is ruled out.

He said, “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.

According to him, “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 a government in terms of ensuring the sanctity of our democratic order, in terms of ensuring that our elections in Anambra holds, and you cannot out rule possibilities inclusive of the possibility of a declaration of a state of emergency where it is established, in essence, that there is a failure on the part of the state government to ensure the sanctity of security of lives, properties and democratic order.”

He said “So, our position as a government is this elections are going to hold necessary security in terms of democratic order most certainly prevail for the purpose of this election.”

“So, we resolved 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 well as Anambra is concerned,” he stated.

Igbo stakeholders urges FG to explore dialogue option to solve S/East agitation

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baba Usman on Tuesday sacked the Anambra state commissioner of Police Mr. Tony Olofu and deployed Mr. Echeng Ewoo Echenge to take charge of the state command.

The latest move may not be unconnected with the violent eruptions in parts of the state which led to the sudden killing of Dr. Chike Akunyili by unknown Gunmen at Nkpor near Ogidi and the commercial town of Onitsha.