September 20, (THEWILL) – On Friday, Nigeria’s Police chief, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, ordered restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation in Edo State, ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
A statement by Police Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on Saturday.
He added that those on essential duties, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders, are exempted from the order.
This, he said, is to ensure adequate measures are put in place for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.
The statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
“In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.
“To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres.
“Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorised vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.
“Furthermore, the IGP has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all.”
Meanwhile, the IGP, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Mba, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to Control Room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes.
The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting to DIG Election Frank Mba – 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272.
The police said the already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.
