FG threatens state of emergency to force Anambra election 

Abubakar Malami

The Federal Government says it may be forced to impose a state of emergency on Anambra to force the November governorship polls to hold, attorney-general of the federation Abubakar Malami said on Wednesday.

Speaking to State House reporters after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting, Mr Malami said the Federal Government has the responsibility to sustain the democratic order and will do the needful in terms of ensuring that the election holds in the state.

Anambra has witnessed an upsurge in violence in recent times. The state has seen four different police commissioners in just one year.

“When our national security is attacked, and the sanctity of our constitutionally guaranteed democracy is threatened, no possibility is ruled out,” Malami said.

“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 to life 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 out ruled.”

The attorney general, who also doubles as justice minister, added that the Buhari administration would certainly do the needful in terms of ensuring that “our elections are held in Anambra in terms of ensuring necessary security is provided, and in terms of ensuring protection is accorded to lives and properties.”

“And you cannot out rule possibilities inclusive of the possibility of declaration or 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,” he added.