A viral video showing a heated exchange between the Deputy Governor of Anambra State and a military rescue team during the governorship election in Awka has sparked controversy, but fresh reports clarify that the soldiers’ intervention was both lawful and necessary.
Military sources confirmed that at 8:20 a.m. on November 8, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, alerted the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) that corps members and INEC officials were being held hostage by political thugs at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, after the collation officer abandoned the polling unit. A small military team was promptly dispatched to the scene.
The troops rescued the corps members and electoral officials and escorted them safely to the INEC office, allowing collation to continue without incident.
Upon arrival, the soldiers were confronted by the Deputy Governor and political associates, who questioned the military presence at the collation centre.
The viral video shows the Deputy Governor repeatedly insisting that the military had no mandate to be there, despite the life-threatening situation and the distress call from the NYSC Coordinator.
The soldier calmly explained that they were responding to an emergency.
Security sources said the Deputy Governor’s behaviour appeared aimed at obstructing the intervention that prevented potential harm from political thugs.
Election security procedures permit military action only in life-threatening situations, particularly where NYSC corps members are endangered.
INEC guidelines also prohibit candidates and their deputies from entering collation centres to avoid interference.
Legal experts, including Kelvin Martings, described the soldiers’ actions as lawful, necessary, and timely, emphasizing that the Deputy Governor’s conduct was unruly and obstructive.
Sources confirmed that the military intervention prevented potential harm and warned that harassment of security personnel performing emergency duties is unacceptable.
As of press time, INEC has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
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