EDO GOVERNOR ELECTION: Police chief imposes movement restrictions, provides special phone lines

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has announced restrictions on movement in Edo State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

This action aims to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible election process.

At least 17 political parties will take part in the election, with the main contenders being the All Progressives Congress, the People’s Democratic Party and the Labour Party.

In a statement released on Friday, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi detailed that all vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other modes of transport will be restricted from 6am to 6pm on election day.

Essential services such as accredited media, election officials, ambulances and emergency responders are exempt from this order.

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“The Inspector-General of Police has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process during the forthcoming Edo general election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024,” Adejobi said.

He stressed that the ban also applies to security officers and guards accompanying VIP guests at polling stations and vote counting stations, while unauthorized personnel are prohibited from operating during the election. In addition, the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is prohibited to maintain a calm atmosphere for voters.

Adejobi also noted that special provisions will be made for vulnerable groups. “Furthermore, the IG has mandated that special attention be given to persons with disabilities, pregnant women, lactating mothers, the elderly and those with mobility impairments, as well as ensuring that polling stations in urban and rural areas are accessible to all,” he said.

He also appealed to residents not to play pranks on the emergency channels provided to report any incidents during the election.

“The Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Governorship Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to the public not to make prank calls to the designated control room and helpline numbers, stressing that text messages are more effective for operational purposes,” Adejobi added.

He gave special telephone numbers for inquiries and reporting: “DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, 09085000029, while the common control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The common control room which has been activated is manned by the police and relevant agencies involved in the election process.”

Egbetokun urged citizens to be vigilant. “Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity or incident that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process or cause chaos in any part of the state,” he said, stressing the importance of adhering to the directive to prevent any interference during the election.

“The Inspector General of Police underlines the need to comply with these directives to prevent undue interference and intimidation during the elections. Political parties, candidates and their supporters are urged to behave responsibly and abide by the electoral laws, as any violation or attempt to disrupt the electoral process will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” he warned.

The Police Chief reiterated the Nigerian State Police’s commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment, stating, “Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure that the upcoming elections in Edo, in particular and in the future, will be conducted in a fair and peaceful manner.”

EDO GOVERNOR ELECTION: IGP imposes movement restrictions, sets up hotline first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.