By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Police Command in Ekiti State has announced a restriction on vehicular movement across the state during Saturday’s governorship election as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
According to the statement, the restriction will take effect from midnight (12:00 a.m.) on Saturday and remain in force until 6:00 p.m.
Abutu explained that the restriction would apply to both intra-state and inter-state roads within Ekiti State and covers all forms of motorised transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.
He said the measure forms part of comprehensive security arrangements put in place to guarantee a peaceful, orderly and violence-free election.
The police spokesman, however, stated that students and candidates participating in national examinations and other approved assessments would be exempted from the restriction and allowed access to their examination centres.
He advised travellers intending to pass through the state on election day to make alternative travel arrangements and use other routes.
Abutu added that accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ad-hoc staff, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and other essential service providers would be allowed movement during the restriction period, provided they possess valid identification and accreditation tags.
The command also prohibited the movement of political office holders and other VIPs accompanied by armed security escorts to polling units and collation centres.
Similarly, vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits and volunteer organisations have been barred from providing security services during the election.
Abutu further advised construction companies handling road projects within the state to suspend active construction activities for the duration of the election in the interest of public safety and security.
He explained that only personnel of recognised security agencies and organisations operating under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would be authorised to provide security at polling units, collation centres and other election-related facilities.
The spokesman quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, as urging eligible voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic responsibility.
Shogunle assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the election and called on members of the public to remain law-abiding.
He also urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency or through the police emergency line, 08062335577.
The governorship election is expected to hold across the 16 local government areas of the state amid heightened security and increased deployment of personnel by security agencies.
