The political tension in Imo is very high at the moment as Imolites and political enthusiasts await the final verdict on the state’s governorship election which held in March 2019.
As a proactive measure to avoid a break down of law and order, Imo State Police Command on Monday, said it has beefed up security to ensure there is peace regarding the outcome of the governorship court case.
The PDP and APC expressed optimism in the past few days that today’s judgment would favour them. APGA is not left out in their hope to get victory.
The key issue to be determined by the Supreme Court in this case is whether Governor Ihedioha won votes in two-third of the local governments in the state as required by the constitution.
The APC permutation is reinforced by the recent prediction by Catholic priest, Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka that PDP should get set to pack and go, that the APC would take over the reins of power in the state.
Supporters of both parties have been throwing brickbats at each other since the Mbaka prediction. They have taken to all platforms including placing newspaper advertorials to lambaste each other.
A philanthropist, Princess Ogbuefi Ezinwa, wrote on her Facebook wall, “I am extremely tensed about Monday (today) judgment more than many Governor Ihedioha’s appointees. My party, my people and the entire Imolites, God please keep us all alive to be witnesses.”
Police spokesman Orlando Ikeokwu, said the command was working with other security agencies to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order. He advised the people to go about their businesses without fear of intimidation or molestation.
The official statement he released reads: “In view of the supreme court judgement on the Imo state governorship election, which is scheduled to hold on Monday, 13/01/20. The Imo state Police command in conjunction with other security agencies in the state wishes to express its readiness to ensure the safety and security of Members of the public during and after the judgement.
“The Command therefore, warn all the parties involved to maintain decorum before, during and after the judgement, It further advice whichever party that comes out victorious to be responsible and respect other people’s rights.
“While jubilating and celebrating, and not to use such medium to ferment trouble or conduct themselves in a manner that could cause a breach of the public peace.”
“Similarly, it warned whichever party that looses to also be peaceful and maintain decorum, as the loss will afford the said party to reflect, restrategise and prepare for the next election.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to go about their lawful business without fear of molestation, as machineries are emplaced to ensure security of lives and properties of all and sundry.
“Parents and guardians are advised to warn their children and wards not to allow themselves to be used by anyone or group to ferment trouble anywhere in the state, as any person or group of persons arrested will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
