By Udo Essien
Ahead of the Ondo State elections holding on Saturday, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12 am to 6 pm.
This is with the exclusion of those on essential duties such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, election observers, accredited journalists, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, fire services, and other accredited media.
The IG also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the development known in a statement on Thursday.
Adejobi said ” The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has announced comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Ondo off-season Gubernatorial elections scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024.
“As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6am to 6pm on Election Day, with the exception of those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.”
Adejobi added that state-established and owned security outfits and organisations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.
He added “Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles will be enforced.
“Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those facing mobility challenges to ensure that polling stations remain accessible.”
Adejobi encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities.
He quoted the IG as expressing the confidence that, through collective efforts, the upcoming elections will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the principles of democracy.
