14th November, 2013
FOLARIN ADEMOSU/Awka
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, eastern Nigeria, a large detachment of anti-riot policemen and men of the State Security Service was stationed at the INEC secretariat, located along Alex Ekwueme Square, in Akwa, the state capital.
Stationed within the expansive square is a police chopper believed to have conveyed a deputy Inspector General of Police, who is in town to monitor the goings-on.
In and outside the premises, battle-ready security agents frisked visitors to the secretariat. Beside, a retinue of policemen hung behind the main office building, awaiting their designated postings to the nook and cranny of the state.
Although, the atmosphere in the town seemed relaxed, as residents go about their normal businesses, sights of siren-blaring anti-riot policemen and soldiers bore signs of tight security for the election.
Hotels in the state capital appeared to have more patronage because of the election, as many claimed their rooms had been booked up by politicians.