By-elections: Police Restrict Movement In 2 Rivers LGAs

Ahead of the Rivers State House of Assembly by-elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the State Police Command has restricted vehicular movement in Ahoada-East and Khana local government areas of the state.

The by-elections, which are being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), followed vacancies in the seats of Ahoada-East Constituency 2 and Khana Constituency 2 in the State House of Assembly.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday, said the restriction of movement will take effect from 12:00 midnight on Saturday to 6:00pm of same date.

The statement read in part: “The bye-election for the Ahoada East and Khana State House Of Assembly Constituencies in Rivers State is scheduled to hold on the Saturday, 21st February, 2026.

“In preparation for the election and in order to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible, election exercise, the Police has issued a restriction of movement within and enviros of Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas.

“The restriction of movement will take effect from 1200 hrs on the Saturday to 1800hrs , of same date.

“During this period, there will be massive deployment of security personnel across the two LGAs with intention to forestall any breakdown of law and order and to ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during, and after the election.

“Security operatives will be stationed at strategic locations, polling units, and major roads to prevent violence, electoral malpractice, and other criminal activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to comply strictly with the restriction of movement order, avoid loitering or gathering unnecessarily around polling units and refrain from carrying weapons or any suspicious items.

“They should also report any suspicious movement or activities detrimental to the election process and conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the electoral laws.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, further advises all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws guiding the conduct of elections.

“He warns that any individual or group found violating the restriction order or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peace will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

“The Commissioner of Police also calls on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as political instruments of violence or disorder during the election process.

“The cooperation of residents is highly required to ensure a peaceful and successful bye-election in the affected constituencies.

“The Police and other security agencies remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all law-abiding citizens to exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.”