The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has ordered restriction of movements in 26 states, ahead of Saturday’s re-run and bye-election.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuywa Adejobi on Thursday in Abuja said the restriction applied to all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation.
The IGP said the restriction would take effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day in all states where the 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 organizations, quasi-security units and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in the 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.
The police boss said the idea was to safeguard the integrity of the election and guarantee equal participation for all citizens in the affected states.
He urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, by 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.
News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the IGP pledged commitment of the police to foster a secure 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 pressforabuja@police.gov.ng, e-mail.
Egbetokun expressed confidence that through collective efforts, the run-off and by-election would be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the principles of democracy.
The states affected included Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
- Credit:NAN