Saturday elections: Police restrict movements in 26 states
Ahead of the various re-run and bye elections being held across 26 states, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has ordered a restriction on the movements of citizens.
Some of the states where elections are being held include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Oyo, amongst others.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuywa Adejobi, he said the restriction order by the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr Kayode Egbetokun applied to all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other forms of transportation.
According to the statement, the restriction would take effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day in all states where election would be conducted.
He said that those on essential services, INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers, both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters would be exempted from the restriction.
Egbetokun also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.
“State-established and owned security outfits and organisations, quasi-security units and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election.
“The movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, are crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the election,” he said.
He explained that the idea was to safeguard the integrity of the election and guarantee equal participation for all citizens in the affected states.
He also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, in accordance with the electoral laws.
Egbetokun said any attempt to disrupt the process or violate the established guidelines would be met with the full force of the law.
The IG pledged the commitment of the police to foster a secured democratic society and enjoined citizens to report suspicious activities or incidents that could undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities.
He said the authorities could be reached through 08034040439, CP Elections, 08031230631, Toll Free, 08057000001, 08057000002, Complaint Response Unit, @ngpolice, Facebook, @PoliceNG, X or [email protected], e-mail.
