EKITI POLICE ANNOUNCE MOVEMENT RESTRICTION AHEAD OF GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a restriction on both inter-state and intra-state vehicular movement across the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, the restriction will take effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day and will apply to all roads within the state, including inter-state highways.
The command explained that the measure forms part of broader security arrangements aimed at preventing violence and safeguarding the integrity of the election.
Abutu stated that the restriction was designed to limit the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who might attempt to disrupt voting activities.
He noted that the directive covers all forms of motorised transportation, including private vehicles, commercial buses, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.
The police advised intending travellers planning to pass through Ekiti State during the restricted hours to make alternative travel arrangements.
However, exemptions have been granted to individuals engaged in essential services and election-related duties. These include staff and ad-hoc personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission, accredited journalists, local and international election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and other authorised service providers.
The command stressed that exempted persons must carry valid identification and official clearance tags while carrying out their duties.
Medical emergency movements will also be permitted throughout the restriction period.
The statement further warned that movement of VIPs with armed escorts or security aides to polling units and collation centres would not be allowed.
Additionally, quasi-security groups, vigilantes and volunteer security outfits have been barred from operating at polling units and collation centres during the election.
Construction companies were also advised to suspend ongoing road works across the state during the election period for safety and operational reasons.
The police clarified that only personnel from recognised security agencies and agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be authorised to provide election security services.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police overseeing the Ekiti governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, urged registered voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights.
He appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state to maintain order.
Shogunle also reassured stakeholders of the commitment of the police to protecting lives and property before, during and after the election and encouraged residents to report suspicious activities through the nearest security agency or the emergency line 08062335577.
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