The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive to impose restrictions on all forms of vehicular movement across roads, waterways, and other transportation avenues from midnight to 6 pm in 26 states conducting bye-elections on Saturday.
Exceptions to this directive include essential service personnel such as Independent National Electoral Commission officials, accredited journalists, election observers, medical emergency responders, and firefighters, among others.
The affected states encompass Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Akwa Ibom, along with Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Furthermore, the Inspector General has also mandated a prohibition on security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs and politicians to polling stations and collation centers during the electoral process.
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In a statement conveyed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector General underscores the necessity of these measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and to foster equal participation for all citizens.
The restrictions extend to state-established security outfits, quasi-security units, and privately owned security firms involved in election security management.
Adejobi emphasized that the IG expects political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere to electoral laws and guidelines, warning that any attempt to disrupt the process will face legal consequences.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities, with the IG expressing confidence that the upcoming elections will be conducted peacefully and transparently, upholding democratic principles.
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