The Inspector General of Police, IGP Adamu Muhammed, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement between 6am and 6pm on Saturday, 16th February 2019.
This measure is part of efforts in furtherance of the overall interest of public order, public wellbeing, safety and national security as it relates to the presidential and national assembly elections billed to take place on Saturday.
Mr Adamu made this known through a press release made public through the Force Public Relation Officer, ACP Frank Mba on Thursday.
The IGP noted that the restriction will assist the security agencies in effectively policing the electoral process, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminal-minded elements from hijacking and disrupting the electoral process.
He urged the citizens to troupe out en-masse on the day of the election to exercise their franchise without any fear or apprehension as the Police and other security agencies have already put in place adequate security measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for a peaceful and credible election.
While regretting the inconveniences the restriction will cause the citizens, the IGP, however, warns that “the force will deal decisively with any individuals or groups that will want to test our common will in our resolve to ensure a peaceful election.”
He therefore enjoined the citizens to steer-clear of vote buying, vote selling, hate speeches, circulating fake news, snatching of ballot boxes and other acts capable of truncating the people’s will, noting that the Force will not hesitate to visit the full weight of the law on anyone who engages in any crime during this period.
