Edo poll: IG orders restriction of movement
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed a restriction of movement in Edo State in anticipation of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
This measure aims to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.
In a statement released on Friday by Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP ordered all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation to be restricted from 6 am to 6 pm on election day.
Exemptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.
To further ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on security aides accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres.
Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits will not be allowed to operate during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden.
READ ALSO: Edo 2024 Guber: 8 LGAs flagged as violence hotspots ahead of election
Adejobi highlighted that special attention will be given to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly to ensure polling stations are accessible to all.
He urged residents to refrain from making prank calls to emergency lines during the election and emphasized that text messages would be more effective for operational purposes.
The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting suspicious activities are provided, with the IGP appealing to citizens to remain vigilant and report any incidents that may compromise the electoral process.
Egbetokun reiterated the need for compliance with these directives to prevent any undue interference during the election.
He encouraged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with electoral laws, warning that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with strict legal consequences.
The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are essential for ensuring a fair and peaceful election in Edo State.
