By Eric Elezuo
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12am to 6pm on March 18, 2023 in all the states where governorship and states of Assembly elections will be conducted. The directive excludes the Federal Capital Territory, which will not host any electoral process on the day.
The order, according to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, exempts only those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Accredited Media and Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.
Similarly, the IGP reiterated 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. In the same vein, 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.
IGP Baba urged all citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections, assuring that all necessary security arrangements have been put in place to ensure everyone exercises their franchise unhindered. He also urged the general public to contact the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections), the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ on Android and ios, and via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631, to request emergency security response.
The statement stressed that other election situation room numbers which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned State Police Commands for necessary emergency contact.
