In preparation for the upcoming bye-elections on Saturday, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive to restrict all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other modes of transportation from 12 am to 6 pm. However, those on essential duties, such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, election observers, accredited journalists, ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters, among others, are excluded from this restriction. The affected states include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Akwa Ibom, as well as Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.In preparation for the upcoming bye-elections on Saturday, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive to restrict all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other modes of transportation from 12 am to 6 pm. However, those on essential duties, such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, election observers, accredited journalists, ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters, among others, are excluded from this restriction. The affected states include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Akwa Ibom, as well as Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Nigeria Police Force Issues Caution Against the Viral Slogan “No Dey Gree for Anybody”
A bye-election is scheduled to take place in Surelere 1 Federal Constituency in Lagos, following the exit of former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, who previously represented this constituency and was appointed Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. As part of preparations for the election, the Inspector General of Police has issued a directive prohibiting all security aides and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this announcement in a statement released on Thursday.
Adejobi said, “The Inspector General of Police, Okukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12am to 6pm on election day in all states where elections will be conducted.
“With the exception of those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc., during the upcoming 2024 run-off and bye-elections scheduled to take place across 26 states on Saturday, February 3, 2024.”
Adejobi added that state-established and owned security outfits and organizations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.
He added, “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 IG 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 IG 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.”
Adejobi encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities.
He quoted the IG as expressing 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.
