Bye-elections: Police Restrict Movement In Affected States

The inspector-general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12am to 6pm during the upcoming 2024 run-off and bye-elections in all affected states across the country on Saturday.

The IGP, however, exempted those on essential services such as INEC officials, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters during the upcoming 2024 run-off and bye-elections scheduled to take place across 26 states on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

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.

The IGP has also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the elections.

Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed these, also said the state-established and owned security outfits and organisations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guards and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management duties.

“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.

“The IGP urges political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with 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,” the Force PRO stated.

The inspector-general of Police reiterated the commitment of the Force to fostering a secure and democratic society, and, therefore, encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities via the following phone numbers; 08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); [email protected] (e-mail).

The IGP expressed 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.