IGP orders restriction of vehicular movement on election day

Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement during the governorship and house of assembly elections on Saturday.

Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday, said the restriction would take effect from 12 am to 6 pm.

On Saturday, Nigerians will head to the polls to elect new governors and house of assembly members in 28 states across the federation.

In the statement, Adejobi said the federal capital territory (FCT) is excluded from this directive as no election will occur in the country’s capital.

The force spokesperson said officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), observers, and other persons carrying out essential services are excluded from the restriction.

“Sequel to the forthcoming Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled to hold on the 18th of March, 2023, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on election day in all states where elections will be conducted with the exception of those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Accredited Media and Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc,” the statement reads.

“This directive excludes the Federal Capital Territory as no election is being conducted therein.

“Similarly, the IGP reiterates the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

“State-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.”