The Federal Government has said it does not rule out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Anambra to stem the tide of current violence there and ensure that the governorship election scheduled for November 6 holds as planned.
This hint was dropped on Wednesday by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Malamii said the government wanted to ensure a smooth election holds in the state, not in spite of the current spate of violence and killings going on in the state.
“When our national security is attacked, and the sanctity of our constitutionally guaranteed democracy is threatened, no possibility is ruled out,” he declared.
“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 for lives 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 ruled out.
“So, what I’m saying, in essence, is that no possibility is ruled out by the government in terms of ensuring the sanctity of our democratic order, in terms of ensuring that our elections in Anambra hold.
“And you cannot rule out 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.”
There has been an upsurge in attacks and killings in Anambra in the past two weeks, with many profile individuals being killed by armed gangs who say the elections will not hold.
The attackers roam the highways and cities in the state, shooting people who they perceive to be government officials or political figures involved in the planned elections.
Malami said the Federal Government had vowed to go ahead with the election, with a promise to provide security for the polls.
