The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered a restriction of movement in Edo State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. This decision is aimed at ensuring proper security measures for a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.
NEWS REVIEW reports that 17 political parties will be participating in the election, with the major contenders being the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the Labour Party.
In a statement released on Friday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi announced that the IG had directed the restriction of all vehicular movements, including roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 6 am to 6 pm on election day. However, individuals on essential duties, such as accredited media personnel, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders, are exempt from this restriction.
Adejobi stated, “The Inspector-General of Police has introduced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful and credible election during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
To this end, the IGP has mandated a restriction on all vehicular movement from 6 am to 6 pm on election day, with exceptions granted for essential services. Accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders are permitted to operate during this period.
Furthermore, the IGP has prohibited the presence of security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling stations and collation centers, and unauthorized security personnel, as well as quasi-security outfits, are not allowed to operate. The use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is also banned to ensure a peaceful voting environment.”
The statement also highlighted special provisions for people with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly. The police have been directed to ensure that polling stations are accessible to all, both in urban and rural areas.
In addition, the IG urged residents to avoid prank calls to the emergency numbers released by the police for the election. The statement noted, “The Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, has advised citizens to refrain from making prank calls to the designated control room numbers, emphasizing that text messages would be more effective for operational purposes.”
The dedicated election hotlines are 07025000383 for DIG Frank Mba and 09085000029 for AIG Benneth Igwe, with the general control room numbers being 08077773721 and 08037646272. The joint control room is managed by police and other relevant agencies involved in the electoral process.
The IG also encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities that might undermine the integrity of the election. He emphasized the importance of following these directives to prevent interference or intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters were urged to act responsibly and comply with electoral laws, as any violations would be met with the full force of the law.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring a safe and democratic election process, urging everyone to work together to ensure a fair and peaceful election in Edo State and beyond.
