Edith CHUKU
As part of measures to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible bye-election for Ahoada East 11 and Khana 11 constituencies, the Rivers State Police command has urged residents to comply strictly with movement restriction.
The movement restriction imposed by the police for the election scheduled to hold on Saturday, will take effect from 12 o’clock midnight to six in the evening of same Saturday.
Members of the public were charged to comply strictly with the restriction of movement order, avoid loitering or gathering unnecessarily around polling units.
The police also urged residents to refrain from carrying weapons or any suspicious items, report any suspicious movement or activities detrimental to the election process and conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the electoral laws.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Irinke-Koko, revealed this in a statement on Friday.
Irinke-Koko explained that “in preparation for the election and in order to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible, election exercise, the Police has issued a restriction of movement within and enviros of Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas.
“During this period, there will be massive deployment of security personnel across the two LGAs with intention to forestall any breakdown of law and order and to ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during, and after the election.
“Security operatives will be stationed at strategic locations, polling units, and major roads to prevent violence, electoral malpractice, and other criminal activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.”
Further, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, advised political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws guiding the conduct of elections.
He warned that any individual or group found violating the restriction order or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peace will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The CP also called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as political instruments of violence or disorder during the election process.
“The cooperation of residents is highly required to ensure a peaceful and successful bye-election in the affected constituencies. The Police and other security agencies remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all law-abiding citizens to exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.”
