By G9ija
With just two days remaining until the commencement of the first part of the 2023 General Elections – the Presidential and National Assembly Elections – scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 25th across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali has issued a directive for a restriction of all forms of movement starting from 12 pm to 6 pm on election days.
During the designated restriction period, vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and all other forms of transportation will be prohibited, with the exception of those on essential services, such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters, among others.
This was contained in a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the statement reads in parts “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 in effective 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 collation centres during the election as anyone found flouting this directive will be severely sanctioned.
“He emphasizes that only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres.
“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.
‘He however warns that the Force will deal decisively with any individual(s) or group(s) that might want to test our common resolve and might to ensure a peaceful election.
“The IGP, therefore, enjoins 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.
“The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, urges all members of the public to contact the Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Election Monitoring and Operations Room domiciled at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, via the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ available on Android and ios, or via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631 to report suspicious persons, activities or request security response.