Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Nigerian Air force has deployed Military Aircraft for air surveillance ahead of the 2023 elections to aide security agencies.
Governor David Umahi stated this in Abakaliki, capital of the State, on Friday after a security council meeting.
He said the security agencies are on ground to secure voters, electoral officers and materials for the election.
The Governor called on Ebonyi residents not to entertain fears on the low flight patrol of Officers of the Nigerian Air force across the State.
He clarified that the operation was to ensure miscreants do not exploit opportunities to cause breakdown of law and order during the general election.
He said: “We also got a surprise package from Security Chiefs from Abuja all geared towards having a free and fair election. Ladies and gentlemen, let me inform you we have a flying Officer from the Nigerian Air force, Enugu.
“I want Ebonyi people to know that they would be flying low to maintain law and order so you should not entertain any fears.”
Governor Umahi while assuring that efforts have been put in place to ensure hitch-free elections in the State, said the efforts were to instill confidence on the voters, as deployment of electoral materials and personnel have been concluded to ensure free and fair elections.
The Governor expressed concern about possible cases of existence of fake election observers and urged Security Agencies to checkmate the situation.
The Governor also directed Security Agencies to ensure that movements across polling units during elections are prohibited within the State.
“We have also agreed that anybody seen with gun that shouldn’t have a gun or trying to disrupt the election processes should be immediately arrested and taken away.
“I have instructed all my party people including those of other parties not to violate electoral laws, anyone doing so must be arrested.”
The Governor also remarked that though the activities of Ebubeagu Security outfit has been suspended, its replacements, the Neighbourhood Watch and Vigilante Corps would not participate in Election Security.
