The Anambra State Police Command has announced a restriction on vehicular movement in parts of the state ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections, while warning that vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits will not be allowed to participate in any election-related activity.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the movement restriction — which will last from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. — affects the areas where polls will be conducted.
He explained that the directive followed orders from the Inspector-General of Police, who also deployed Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Godwin Eze, to oversee security during the polls.
“Only duly accredited security personnel will be permitted to participate in election duties,” Ikenga quoted AIG Eze as saying. “All vigilante operatives, hunters and other quasi-security outfits are strictly prohibited from any form of engagement during the exercise.”
Bye-elections are scheduled to hold in Anambra South Senatorial District — covering Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North, Orumba South, Ekwusigo, Aguata and Ihiala LGAs — and in Onitsha North Constituency I for the State House of Assembly. INEC headquarters in Awka South LGA will also be under tight security.
Ikenga stated that the movement restriction was a “proactive measure to deter criminal activities, reduce the risk of electoral violence and guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials and security personnel.”
He assured residents that adequate deployments have been made to protect the electoral process.
“We urge citizens to be law-abiding and to cooperate with security personnel deployed for this important national assignment,” he said.