Some men in Nigerian Army uniform have allegedly taken over Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency ahead of the Saturday, February 26, 2022, by-election billed to produce a replacement for Mr Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe who moved recently to the Senate NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
It was alleged that the men were drafted from the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army formation in Calabar to invade communities as a build-up to the nationally concurrent by-elections billed to take place in Ogoja-Yala Federal Constituency.
However, a reliable source in Ogoja said the people parading with Army uniforms are not really soldiers but thugs hired by the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC government to intimidate the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate and fans.
“The men are not soldiers but some thugs who were given uniforms allegedly sewn from the Garment Factory to intimidate the PDP candidate and supporters since they are gathering more momentum ahead of the Saturday election. I think the fear that the PDP have the people by their side is what is causing the problem. The matter has been reported”, the source said.
Recalled that last Saturday, the officers of some Nigeria security agencies moved to stall the by-election campaign flagging off chaired by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in Calabar, the state capital.
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army for comments proved abortive at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, a press statement from the Nigeria Police Force has restricted vehicular and other forms of movements for the Ogoja/Yala Federal and Akpabuyo State Constituencies by-election on Saturday, February 26, 2022.
In the statement signed by SP Irene Ugbo, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, the police said: “in our determination to maintain law and order, during the upcoming Ogoja/Yala Federal and Akpabuyo State Constituencies by-elections on Saturday 26th February 2022, wishes to inform the general public that, there will be restriction of vehicular and other forms of movements.
“It is observed sadly that people of doubtful agenda are moving to the areas of the by-election for reasons unknown. In view of our desire for a free, fair, and credible election, only voters whose polling units are involved will be allowed movement during the election.
“The Command on behalf of all other security agencies reassures law-abiding citizens of their security during the election. The command also finds it necessary to warn those who are planning to ferment trouble or being brought to form any unwholesome acts will face full consequences.
“The behavioural attitude from Electoral Act will not be condoled as additional measures are in place to curtail and deal with any undue act. All the security services will function as one system in regards to guarantee the assurances in securing lives and property.
“Members of the public are hereby enjoined, to go about their lawful businesses and cooperate with the Police, throughout the period of the election, please”.
