Suspected Independence Day Plot: Police Direct Political Parties, Groups To Reschedule planned Activities
By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Alleged planned Independence Day plot,
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has directed all political parties, political groups, associations and other concerned stakeholders that earlier received approval by the Command to hold any activities in commemoration of Independence Day to reschedule them.
Such events include political rallies, meetings, processions and other related public political activities earlier approved to hold anywhere in the state.
The directive, police stated followed credible intelligence report showing plans by some people to take advantage of the approved activities to distort public peace in the state.
DSP Timfon John, who is the Police Public Relations Officer in the state gave a warning in a press release she signed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare on Wednesday.
The message read in part, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command wishes to inform all political parties, political groups, associations and other concerned stakeholders that following credible intelligence available to the Command indicating plans by some individuals to exploit scheduled political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace, and in the overriding interest of public safety and security, all approvals earlier granted for political rallies, meetings, processions and other related public political activities scheduled to hold on Thursday, 1st October 2026, anywhere within Akwa Ibom State are hereby directed to be rescheduled.
“Consequently, no political party, group, association or its supporters should proceed with any activity on 1st October 2026 on the strength of any approval previously issued by the Command.
“All parties and groups concerned are advised to liaise with the Police Command and propose alternative dates, which will be considered in line with prevailing security circumstances.”.
It further stated the proactive measures became necessary following emerging security concerns and intelligence assessments indicating the need to prevent any individuals or groups from taking advantage of such gatherings to foment trouble, cause a breakdown of law and order, or endanger innocent members of the public.
The Command called on all political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups and other stakeholders to exercise maximum restraints and comply strictly with the directive. security agencies will maintain heightened vigilance across the state to ensure the continued protection of lives and property.
The Commissioner however, appreciated the understanding and cooperation of all concerned and emphasizes that the directive is purely precautionary, non-partisan, and taken solely in the overall interest of peace, security and public order in Akwa Ibom State.
