CITIZENS COMPASS —The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered the restriction of movement in Lagos and 25 other states between 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
The restriction covers all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation where elections would be conducted.
However, those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters are exempted from the restriction.
This is as a result of the 2024 run-off and bye-elections scheduled to take place across 26 states on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
The affected states include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
The IGP has also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election. State-established and owned security outfits and organizations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.
The movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, are crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process. The IGP emphasizes that these restrictions are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.
The IGP urges political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the electoral laws, as any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or violate the established guidelines will be met with the full force of the law.
The Inspector General of Police reiterates the commitment of the Force to fostering a secure and democratic society, and therefore encourages citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities via the following phone numbers; 08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); pressforabuja@police.gov.ng (e-mail).
He expressed confidence that, through collective efforts, the upcoming run-off and bye-elections will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the principles of democracy.
Condemns killings in Ekiti
Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, strongly condemns the recent killing of two traditional rulers – HRM Oba Samuel Olusola Olatunji, Ph.D., the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti and HRM Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti in Ekiti State, and the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Emure-Ekiti. And has therefore taken immediate steps to address the security challenges in the region. To ensure the swift restoration of peace and order, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17 Akure, along with additional personnel and assets.
The newly posted AIG has been tasked with overseeing a comprehensive and coordinated security response to bring an end to the unfortunate security incidents in Ekiti, and parts of Ondo State and ensure proper coordination among security agencies for optimum effectiveness in tackling the security concerns within Ekiti State.
The Inspector-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ekiti State, the families and loved ones of the deceased traditional rulers whose lives were tragically cut short during these incidents.
Preliminary investigations have led to the arrest of thirteen (13) suspects who are currently assisting the Police with the investigation process.
The Inspector General of Police hereby reiterates the commitment of the NPF to ensuring that justice is served, and those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to book, while assuring the public that every necessary measure will be taken to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with the Police and other security agencies, as we work to restore peace and security to the affected areas.
