POLICE SEEK REINFORCEMENT FROM EDO, ANAMBRA, BAYELSA

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, yesterday assured of adequate security for participants from within and outside the country for the second South-south Economic Summit. Mr. Aduba said his command working in concert with other security agencies was prepared to provide security for all and warned trouble makers to steer clear, as long as the summit lasts.

Daily Sun observed yesterday, a battalion of conventional and mobile policemen in their Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and other vehicles marching across streets of Asaba obviously to send warning signals down the spines of potential troublemakers.

Mr. Aduba who did not disclose the number of policemen deployed for the exercise, stated that the command had enough men for the exercise, adding the command two weeks ago sought reinforcement from the force headquarters, Abuja, to complement.

The commissioner said men of the force from the neighouring Edo, Anambra and Bayelsa states have laid siege in strategic locations of Asaba metropolis to forestall any untoward act by unscrupulous elements. He said indiscipline, would not be tolerated from any quarter, threatening to deal with any group or individual who attempt to trigger crisis.

Adube said, some roads would be totally closed from vehicular movement, assuring, the synergy formed between the police, the Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) would produce the expected world-class summit. Meanwhile, participants for the summit yesterday started arriving Asaba in droves, to perfect registration formalities for the exercise that would officially be declared open today by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The participants who stormed the Call Centre at the Government House for registration were however asked to go to the internet and access registration through the website designed for the programme. Officials at the call centre who claimed the facilities have been over-stretched, had hectic time controlling the influx of the participants. One of the officials, who appealed for the co-operation of the participants, stated that registration at the Call Centre was reserved for governors and the president.