By Our Reporters
As part of preparations for the Edo State Governorship elections scheduled to be held on Saturday September 21,the Inspector- General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has ordered the immediate ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centers.
The ban was confirmed in a Press statement made available to news men on Friday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi,the Force Public Relations Officer titled “EDO ELECTION: IGP DIRECTS SECURITY MEASURES, MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR EDO OFF-CYCLE ELECTION.”
Olumuyiwa noted that the IGP has also announced a comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the elections.
He disclosed that vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day, with exception to those on essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.
He said “In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.
“To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centers. Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.”
The IGP through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, also appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers.