By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba has directed a restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on election day.
The IGP, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi however made exceptions for INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.
“The order which is part of measures emplaced to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of elections, is aimed at ensuring public order management, the safety of electorates, as well as assisting the security agencies ineffective policing, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process.
“Similarly, the IGP sternly warns all security aides and escorts to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process, “
The IGP further said that all voluntary and state-owned security outfits remain banned from participating in the electoral process.
“All State-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.
“only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centers. Also, the ban on the unauthorized use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates, and tinted glasses is still in force, and violators would be sanctioned appropriately, “
The IGP assured Nigerians that its personnel would be civil in their operations and abide by the provisions of the law.
He urged all citizens to shun vote buying, vote selling, hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, snatching of ballot boxes, and other criminal act(s) as the Force and other security agencies will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all violators of extant laws, most especially the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), are brought to book.
