Police IG Orders Movement Restriction On Election Day

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement ahead of the presidential and national assembly elections on the 25th of February, 2023.

The vehicular restriction starts from 12 am to 6 pm on Election Day.

However, some people on essential services such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, election observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters, among others would be allowed to move.

Baba stated this in a statement released by the spokesman of the force, 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 spokesman said the order is part of the measures to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of elections.

Adejobi further stated, “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.”

The IG urged 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 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.

“Similarly, other joint operations/election situation room numbers will be released by all state police commands respectively, for emergency contact.”