February 25, (THEWILL) – Makurdi, the Benue State capital, remains peaceful as residents go about their businesses even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), intensified the distribution of material for the conduct of the presidential and national assembly elections.
Our correspondent, who visited some areas in High level, Wadata and Wurukum within the Makurdi metropolis, reported that motorcycle riders and free newspaper readers among others were in clusters discussing their preferred candidate to vote for.
At the INEC office in Makurdi, it was a beehive of activities as the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Wale Abbas and his counterpart from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), were seen putting heads together for hitch-free polls.
A visiting Guardian Correspondent from Abuja, Msugh Ityokura, described the mood as calm even with the political bigwigs making last-minute moves to woo electorates to their advantage.
He said there was no sign of violence as was the case with the previous election, hoping that INEC will do the needful to the admiration of all the interest groups.
Journalists in the state have hectic times at the INEC headquarters to obtain accreditation materials to avoid clashes with security agents billed to maintain law and order in the course of the election exercise.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Wale Abass, said adequate security had been deployed for the 2023 presidential and national assembly elections.
While briefing officers at the Police Headquarters, the CP directed them to be courteous and apolitical in the course of their duties.
A statement signed by the PPRO, Sewuese Anene, emphasised that as part of measures put in place to ensure a safe environment, safety of electorates and prevention of hoodlums and criminally minded elements from disrupting the electoral process, “the IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered a restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12am to 6pm on 25th February, 2023, with the exception of those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, others.”
According to the statement, the IGP also warns all security aides and escorts to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.
The IGP emphasised 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 unauthorised use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates, and tinted glasses is still in force, and violators would be sanctioned appropriately. All State established and owned security outfits/organisations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management,” it said, adding that the IGP’s others must be strictly obeyed and enforced.
While empathising with well-meaning citizens on the inconveniences the restriction may cause, the CP urges all active electorates to be law-abiding and turn out en mass to exercise their franchise, warning that the Command will deal decisively with persons, who choose to engage in any form of malpractice and violence.
The Command listed emergency numbers to be available to members of the public throughout the election period. They include 0806 600 6475, 0708 325 0154, 0805 749 3117 and 0706 737 4913.
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