On election day, from 12 a.m. until 6 p.m., all vehicle traffic on roads, waterways, and other modes of transportation is to be prohibited, according to Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba.
With the exception of those providing necessary services, such as IEC officials, election observers, ambulances that respond to medical crises, and firemen, for example.
This information was provided in a Wednesday night statement that our correspondent was able to receive from the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi said, “Consequent to the first part of the 2023 general elections, the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 25, 2023, across all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, the IG, Usman Baba has ordered a restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on election day with the exception of those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.”
The directive is one of the steps put in place to provide a safe, secure, and favorable environment for the conduct of elections, according to the NPF spokeswoman.
He pointed out that it is intended to maintain public order, ensure voter safety, and support the security forces in effective policing, preventing hoodlums and other criminally inclined individuals from interfering with the election.
Adejobi said, “Similarly, the IG 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 emphasises 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.”
While empathising with well-meaning citizens on the inconveniences the restriction might cause, the IG urges all active electorates to be law-abiding and turn out en masse to exercise their franchise.
Adejobi added, “He however warns that the NPF will deal decisively with any individual or group(s) that might want to test our common resolve and might to ensure a peaceful election.
“The IG, 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 police further urged all members of the public to contact the NPF 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.
“Similarly, other joint operations/election situation room numbers will be released by all state police commands respectively, for emergency contact.” Adejobi noted.
