As Anambra State prepares for the November 8 governorship election, the atmosphere across communities is charged with both expectation and apprehension. In the midst of heightened political campaigns and the usual tension that precedes major polls, one figure has emerged as a steadying force, rallying communities toward peace and dialogue — Commissioner of Police (CP) Obono Itam Orutugu, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police.
In a political environment where elections often become flashpoints for violence, CP Orutugu’s approach has been both proactive and people-centered. Through sustained engagements, advocacy visits, and open dialogue with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, and political stakeholders, he is building a robust grassroots movement for peace — one anchored on trust, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
Since assuming duty as the 34th Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Orutugu has left no one in doubt about his commitment to preventive policing. His leadership style departs from the traditional reactive model of waiting for crises to erupt before responding. Instead, he has chosen a strategic, dialogue-based method that seeks to address root causes before they escalate.
In a series of community engagements across the state — from Aguata to Otuocha, Ihiala to Onitsha, Awka to Ogbaru — the Police Commissioner has consistently delivered one message: the police have no interest in who wins or loses the forthcoming governorship election; their sole concern is to ensure peace, order, and the safety of every resident before, during, and after the polls.
“We are not politicians. The police have no stake in partisan politics,” CP Orutugu reaffirmed during a recent security sensitization meeting with stakeholders in Aguata Area Command. “Our duty is to ensure that everyone — candidates, party members, and the electorate — exercises their rights freely and without fear. The peace and safety of Anambra people come first.”
Recognizing the vital role of traditional institutions in shaping community behavior, CP Orutugu has prioritized partnerships with traditional rulers and town union leaders. These custodians of culture are often the first line of moral and social authority in the state’s diverse communities.
At a meeting in the palace of the traditional ruler of Otuocha, His Royal Highness Igwe Emmanuel Nnaegbunam, the Commissioner emphasized that peace cannot be enforced by security agencies alone. “Peace must be grown from within communities,” he said. “Our traditional rulers are the moral voices of their people. When they speak for peace, the message resonates deeper and lasts longer.”
This strategy has proven effective. Many community heads have since set up peace and security committees tasked with sensitizing youths against political thuggery and violence. These committees, working closely with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), provide early warning signals on potential flashpoints and mediate local disputes before they spiral out of control.
No election in Nigeria can be peaceful without the active participation of young people. Unfortunately, youths are often the primary tools of electoral violence. CP Orutugu understands this reality and has made deliberate efforts to engage them directly.
Through interactive town-hall sessions and youth leadership forums, he has appealed to their conscience, urging them to shun acts that could destroy their communities. “Youths must not allow themselves to be used as instruments of destruction by politicians,” he warned at a recent engagement in Ihiala. “The future of this state belongs to you. Protect it, don’t ruin it.”
To complement these efforts, the Command’s Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has been revitalized to include youth representatives, thereby giving them a voice in the peace-building process. The idea, according to the Commissioner, is to make youths “partners in policing rather than subjects of enforcement.”
CP Orutugu’s peace-building strategy has also been institutional — not just moral. He has been working closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
Through coordinated planning and intelligence sharing, the police and sister agencies are mapping out high-risk areas, identifying potential threats, and developing response plans tailored to each locality. The aim, he said, is to ensure that no part of the state becomes a haven for electoral violence or criminal manipulation.
“We are not leaving anything to chance,” CP Orutugu stated during a recent media briefing in Awka. “Security is being approached from all fronts — intelligence, collaboration, and community ownership. Every agency has a role to play, and we are working as one team to safeguard the integrity of this election.”
INEC officials in the state have lauded the police leadership for its openness and proactive engagement. According to an official of the Commission who preferred anonymity, “The Commissioner’s inclusive approach is refreshing. It builds trust between INEC, security agencies, and the communities. That’s exactly what we need for credible elections.”
Beyond traditional leaders and youths, the Commissioner has also extended his outreach to the media and civil society groups, recognizing them as crucial partners in shaping narratives and sustaining public confidence.
In his engagements with journalists, he has emphasized responsible reporting — urging the media to verify information, avoid sensationalism, and promote messages that foster peace rather than tension. “The media wields enormous power in influencing perception. You can help us win the peace before we even deploy for election duty,” he said.
Similarly, women groups have been mobilized to act as community peace ambassadors. Working through market associations and faith-based organizations, the Police Command encourages women to counsel their children and wards against political violence and to report suspicious movements early.
Mrs. Ngozi Okafor, a women leader from Nnewi, praised the police initiative, noting that “this is the first time in many election cycles that we are seeing a police commissioner directly engaging women at the grassroots. It makes us feel part of the process.”
For many residents, CP Orutugu’s consistent community presence has helped restore confidence in the police. In a region where public skepticism towards law enforcement has often been high, his personal humility and accessibility have softened perceptions and bridged the gap between the police and the people.
Through the Command’s Open-Door Policy, citizens can now directly report complaints, security concerns, and misconduct by officers through dedicated channels. This transparency mechanism, according to the Commissioner, is “essential for building legitimacy and public confidence.”
Observers note that this renewed trust is critical, especially ahead of the election, as credible policing depends on the willingness of citizens to cooperate and provide timely information.
As the election draws near, the impact of CP Orutugu’s peace-building efforts is becoming evident. Campaigns are ongoing across the state with minimal disruption. Political parties are meeting under police-facilitated peace accords, and community leaders are taking ownership of local sensitization drives.
Security analysts believe that the Anambra example could serve as a model for other states facing pre-election tension. By emphasizing dialogue over force, and partnership over intimidation, CP Orutugu is showing that effective policing in a democratic setting must be rooted in empathy, accountability, and shared responsibility.
While challenges remain — including the influence of criminal gangs, misinformation on social media, and the potential for last-minute political unrest — the police leadership appears prepared and focused.
“We cannot guarantee perfection, but we can guarantee commitment,” CP Orutugu said recently. “Our officers are ready, our communities are alert, and our goal is clear — a peaceful, credible, and violence-free election in Anambra State.”
In an era when security agencies are often criticized for heavy-handedness, CP Orutugu’s calm, strategic, and community-driven approach stands out. His method reflects the essence of modern policing — one that protects not just lives and property, but also the democratic process itself.
If the forthcoming governorship election holds peacefully, as many hope it will, much of the credit will go to the deliberate, human-centered leadership of the Anambra State Police Command under CP Obono Itam Orutugu — a Commissioner who understands that the first victory in any election is the victory for peace.
Pre-election Peace Building: How CP Orutugu is Galvanizing Communities for Peaceful Election
