ANAMBRA ELECTION: IGP Bans Movement Of Vehicles In Anambra During Saturday Governorship Election
EMERGENCY DIGEST- Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered a 24-hour restriction of vehicular movements in and out of Anambra State during Saturday’s governorship election.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CP Frank Mba.
Mba stated that the restriction order would be in force from 11:59 PM on Friday, November 5 to 11:59 PM on Saturday, November 6, 2021.
According to him, the restriction order was part of measures aimed at protecting the sanctity of the electoral process in the election.
The statement explained that the IGP noted that the restriction order had become necessary following pointers from the Election Security Threats Assessments conducted by the force which indicated a high likelihood of infiltration by criminally-minded individuals to Anambra State before, during and after the polls.
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It added that the measure would also avail security forces a firm grip of the state to checkmate the movement of political thugs and louts and prevent the free-flow, circulation and use of illicit arms and hard drugs throughout the period and beyond.
The IGP enjoined INEC officials, accredited observers, journalists and other authorized officials to go about their lawful duties as it related to the elections, provided they observe all relevant rules guiding their deployment including the visible display of their accreditation tags.
He acknowledged that Police officers and other security personnel deployed for the election would be appropriately supervised to ensure they carry out their responsibilities in the most humane, firm and professional manner especially to emergency service providers such as firefighters and ambulance services.
He urged citizens particularly motorists and travellers who might want to use the routes within Anambra State during the period of the restrictions to seek alternative routes and see the inconveniences as part of sacrifices toward the collective sustenance of our democracy.
He called on citizens in the state to go out en-masse on the election day and exercise their franchise without any fear or apprehension as the Force and other security agencies were already on the ground to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the elections.
