The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, has called on the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State, Dr. Lawrence Azubuike, to avoid the gambit of politicians and moneybags in the state in order to succeed in the state.

Speaking when the REC and other officials of INEC paid him a courtesy call at his office in Awka, Karma pointed out that elections in the state have been highly commercialised saying that many politicians believe that with money, they could always have their way.

He noted that influential politicians in the state have the perception that they can make white to become black.

In his words, “They will come to you, but what I can say is that you know that once INEC declares a result, no one can do anything about it.

“So, all we are saying is that you people should be fair so that when results are tendered from the field, they will be a reflection of what you announced.

“We must all do a good job so as to redeem our image. We must therefore be neutral at all times. I believe in doing a good job and no matter the wealth of anyone, I always do what is right. The worst that can happen is that I will be transferred to another state.

“We had seen many elections where things were done right and where things were done wrong, but sometimes we are handicapped.”

The CP further advised the new REC to act with wisdom adding that as the elections come close, the opponents will begin to call him and make several complaints about this group attacking the other and many others. “You must do the right thing.”

The CP however assured the REC of the support of the police, saying that the same support which the police gave to his predecessor and which saw him excel in the previous elections will also be given to him in the forthcoming rerun election in Anambra Central.

Earlier in his speech, the new REC told the CP that he and members of the commission’s management team in the state decided to visit him to seek his support in the forthcoming rerun election scheduled to hold on March 5, 2016.

He noted that INEC cannot conduct a free and fair election without the assistance of the police, noting that it was for that reason that INEC is not toying with its partnership with the police.

•Photo shows Anambra CP Hosea Karma.

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