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Report has it that about 26 states in Nigeria have been scheduled to rerun their by-elections this Saturday, February 3, 2024 and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning against violence in the affected states.
NPF, as ably represented by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, issued the no-violence directive on Thursday, imposing a comprehensive restriction on all forms of transportation in the 26 states set for the by-elections this Saturday. The restriction, spanning from 12 am to 6 pm, applies to roads, waterways, airspaces, and various modes of transportation.
Egbetokun sternly warned potential troublemakers to steer clear of the electoral process, while stressing the importance of maintaining order during the crucial by-elections.
The restriction, however, does not apply to individuals on essential duties, including INEC officials, accredited journalists, and both foreign and domestic observers. The order exempts ambulance drivers responding to medical emergencies and firefighters.
The states involved are; Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealing these developments in a statement, highlighted the significance of the movement restrictions. The restrictions also impose a ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits. These measures aim to prevent interference or intimidation during the electoral process, ensuring a fair and equal participation for all citizens.
Meanwhile, the INEC Administrative Secretary in Sokoto State, Mrs. Hauwa Kangiwa disclosed that the commission had collaborated with the Sokoto State Police Command to deploy 15 police officers to each of the 46 polling units in the state.
Kangiwa confirmed the distribution of non-sensitive materials and announced the commencement of sensitive material distribution to the affected local governments. And all the other 25 states having an election will be facing the same fate this Saturday.
