By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a restriction on vehicular movement across the state on Saturday as part of security measures for the governorship election.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Friday. He said the restriction would take effect from midnight to 6:00 p.m. and would cover both intra-state and inter-state roads within the state.
According to Abutu, the measure forms part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, orderly and violence-free election. He explained that the restriction would apply to all forms of motorised transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles. However, students and candidates participating in national examinations would be exempted and allowed to travel to their examination centres.
He added that accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ad hoc staff, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and other essential service providers would be permitted to move during the restriction period, provided they possess valid identification and clearance tags. Travellers intending to pass through Ekiti on election day were advised to make alternative travel arrangements.
Abutu further stated that the movement of VIPs with armed escorts to polling units and collation centres would not be allowed, while vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits and volunteer groups were barred from providing security services during the election.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, Abayomi Shogunle, as urging voters to conduct themselves peacefully and assuring residents of adequate security before, during and after the poll.
