The Akwa Ibom state government says the movement of persons and vehicles will be restricted on Saturday, October 31, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. to allow for the smooth conduct of the local government elections.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Secretary to State Government.
The statement reads, “In compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) will conduct elections on 31st October 2020 as earlier announced.
“In order to ensure free, fair, credible and peaceful conduct of elections into the 31 Local Government Councils of Akwa Ibom State, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has directed as follows:
“That all inter-state border entry points, leading into Akwa Ibom State, be closed from 7 am to 2 pm on Saturday, 31st October 2020.
“That human and vehicular movement be restricted from 7 am to 2 pm on Saturday 31st October 2020. Eligible voters are therefore enjoined to stay within the premises of their polling units during the period of the elections.
“That those on essential duties, viz: medical personnel, electoral officials and election observers, accredited pressmen be exempted from the movement restrictions.”
Emmanuel Ekuwem urged all eligible voters to go out and exercise their franchise. He added that to allow civil servants to travel to their voting centers, work will officially close by 2 pm on Friday.
“That, in order to enable active participation of civil servants in the election, work will close at 2 pm on Friday 30 October 2020.
“That the subsisting state-wide daily curfew of 8 pm to 7 am is still in force till further notice.”
“That all citizens and residents are advised to continue to be law-abiding in the maintenance of peace in Akwa Ibom State.
“That all voters, while queuing to exercise their franchise, should comply with the AKSG/NCDC/WHO approved COVID-19 Guidelines and Protocols.
“All Security Agencies have been briefed to strictly enforce this restriction of movement directive.”
