IGP Usman Baba Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement On Election Day

The inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement during the governorship and house of assembly elections.

The police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said the restriction would take effect from 12 am to 6 pm on Saturday when Nigerians will head to the polls to elect new governors and house of assembly members .

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

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

The statement reads, “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.

“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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that IGP Usman Baba Alkali had accused some state governors of promoting political violence ahead of the 2023 elections.