In preparation for the Saturday June 20 governorship election in Ekiti state, the Police Command has announced restriction of inter-state and intra-state vehicular movements across the State for hitch free election.
The restriction according to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Abutu Sunday takes effect from 12:00am to 6.00pm on the day of election, and shall affect all roads within the state and inter-state highways.
“This standard measure is part of the comprehensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring a violence-free election.
“However, students/candidates taking National structured examinations/assessment should proceed to their centres accordingly.
“This vehicular movement restriction is expected to prevent the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
“The restriction applies to all forms of motorized transportations, including; Private cars, Commercial vehicles, Trucks, Tricycles and Motorcycles.”
The police however advised all intended inter-state travelers planning to travel through any part of Ekiti State to take alternative routes during the stated period.
” However, persons on essential duties such as designated INEC staff and ad-hoc staff, accredited journalists, local and foreign election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and essential services providers are exempted and allowed to use the roads accordingly, such persons must carry valid identification and clearance tags.
” Medical emergency movements are also allowed during this stated period. The movement of VIPs with armed escorts or security aides to polling units and collation centres is strictly discouraged and will not be allowed”.
The police added that “Quasi-security groups, vigilantes and volunteers groups are strictly prohibited from rendering any form of security services at any polling unit or collating centre throughout the election period.
“Due to safety reasons, this notice also serves as a binding advice on construction companies to pause all forms of actual road work construction during the stated period.
“Only officers and personnel of security agencies and agencies that are members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) are permitted to provide security in and around all designated election facilities”
The police urged residents to comply with the measure in order to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for voters to freely exercise their rights to vote.
“The Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or groups that attempts to violate this order or undermine the peace of the State.
“The Commissioner of Police Ekiti State Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, calls on registered voters to come out and vote, everyone to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel who have been adequately deployed across the State to maintain law and order”.
The CP therefore assured all residents and stakeholders of the Nigeria Police unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property before, during, and after the election.
He added that any suspicious movement or security concerns should be reported to the nearest police station/security agency “or call the police emergency line 08062335577”.