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, and 23 other states during run-off and bye-elections on Saturday.
The other states affected by the restriction placed on movements are 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 am to 6 pm 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.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP added that state-established and owned security outfits and organizations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits were also not exempted.
In 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 Police boss 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 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.
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
