By-Elections: IGP Directs Movement Restrictions, Ban On VIP Aides, Escorts, State Security Outfits

*Urges Citizens To Adhere To Rule Of Law, Assures of Free Exercise Of Voting Rights

By Miriam Humbe

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun on Thursday ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day in all states where elections will be conducted.

The restrictions are with the exception of those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc., during the upcoming 2024 run-off and bye-elections scheduled to take place across 26 states on Saturday February 3, 2024.

The affected states included: Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, (FPRO), Force Headquarters, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the IGP also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election.

State-established and owned security outfits and organizations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.

The movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, are crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process.

The IGP emphasized that these restrictions were implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.

The IGP urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the electoral laws, as any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or violate the established guidelines would be met with the full force of the law.

The Inspector General of Police reiterated the commitment of the Force to fostering a secure and democratic society, and therefore encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities via the following phone numbers:
08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); [email protected] (e-mail).

The IGP expressed confidence that, through collective efforts, the upcoming run-off and bye-elections would be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the principles of democracy.