The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered total restriction of vehicular movement on roads and all forms of transportation including waterways in Lagos, Kano, Anambra states, and 23 others during run-off and bye-elections on Saturday.
Other states affected by the restriction placed on movements were Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
The police boss ordered that movements within these states be restricted completely from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m during the run-off and bye-elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be held on February 3rd, 2024.
Meanwhile, he exempted those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, and others.
Aside from this, the Police boss banned security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths as well as collation centers during the election.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Egbetokun added that state-established and owned security outfits and organizations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits were also not exempted.
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According to the statement, 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 IGP emphasizes that these restrictions are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.
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The IGP urges political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and by 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.
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Egbetokun expresses confidence that, through collective efforts, the upcoming run-off and bye-elections will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the principles of democracy.
