Governorship Election: IGP orders restriction on movement

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other channels of transportation across all states where governorship and House of Assembly elections will be conducted on Saturday, March 18.

The police chief made this known through a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday, March 16.

The statement explained that the restriction of vehicular movement will be between 12:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday.

The directive was not applicable to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Sequel to the forthcoming Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled to hold on the 18th of March, 2023, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm 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, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc,” the statement reads.

The IGP also barred all state-established security outfits and privately-owned outfits like the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, the Amotekun Corps, Ebubeagu, and others from participating in security management during the election.

“Similarly, the IGP reiterates the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

“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.”

The IGP, however, urged all citizens to be law-abiding and ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered.