The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern directive, ordering the restriction of all vehicular movement in 26 states holding by-elections on Saturday.
Egbetokun warned troublemakers to stay away from the exercise, highlighting that the restriction from 12 am to 6 pm would not apply to essential personnel such as INEC officials, accredited journalists, and observers, both foreign and domestic.
The exemption also extends to drivers of ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters, among others.
The affected states include 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, as detailed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi pointed out that “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 electoral process.
“The IG emphasises that these restrictions are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.
“The IG urges political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and under the electoral laws, as any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or violate the established guidelines will be met with the full force of the law. He noted that the IG reiterated the commitment of the Force to fostering a secure and democratic society.”
Meanwhile, INEC Administrative Secretary in Sokoto State, Mrs. Hauwa Kangiwa, said on Thursday that the commission had made an with the Sokoto State Police Command to post 15 policemen to each of the 46 polling units in the state.
“All the non-sensitive materials have already been distributed, and today we are here for the distribution of sensitive materials to the affected local governments,” Kangiwa said.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, political parties signed a peace accord, and in Plateau State, the police assured the enforcement of the IG’s movement restriction order to maintain a peaceful process.
Tension escalated in Plateau State as members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) protested the exclusion of their party’s logo on ballot papers. They accused INEC of contravening a Court of Appeal judgment, stating that all parties should contest in the re-run.
The PDP supporters had earlier staged a protest at the INEC headquarters in Jos, expressing concerns about their exclusion from the process following the nullification of elections won by the party’s candidates in two constituencies.
| Punch News
