The Police have announced restrictions on inter-state and intra-state vehicular movement across Ekiti State on Saturday due to the governorship election in the state.
The Ekiti State Police Command announced that the restriction takes effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day and shall affect all roads within the state and inter-state highways.
“This standard measure,” the police said, “is part of the comprehensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring a violence-free election.”
The Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, stated that students and candidates taking national standardised examinations and assessments are not affected and 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,” Abutu said.
He added, “The restriction applies to all forms of motorised transportation, including private cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.
“All intending inter-state travellers planning to travel through any part of Ekiti State are advised 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 service providers, are exempted and allowed to use the roads accordingly. Such persons must carry valid identification and clearance tags,” he added.
He explained that, “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.
“Quasi-security groups, vigilantes and volunteer groups are strictly prohibited from rendering any form of security services at any polling unit or collation centre throughout the election period.
“Due to safety reasons, this notice also serves as a binding advisory for construction companies to pause all forms of road construction during the stated period.
“Only officers and personnel of security 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 Command urged residents to comply with this measure, designed to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for voters to freely exercise their right to vote.
It further said the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or group that attempts to violate the order or undermine the peace of the state.
For his part, the Commissioner of Police for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, Dr Abayomi Shogunle, urged registered voters “to come out and vote, remain law-abiding, and cooperate with security personnel who have been adequately deployed across the state to maintain law and order.”
Shogunle assured all residents and stakeholders of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property before, during and after the election.
The Police called on residents to report any suspicious movement or security concerns to the nearest police station or security agency.
