From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Less than 12-hours to Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections, the Ebonyi State Police Command has ordered the restriction of all forms of unauthorized human and vehicular movements during the day.
The Command however, barred every important personalities and politicians from going to their polling units with their security aides.
According to statement issued and signed by the commissioner of Police, CP. Faleye E. S. Olaleye and made available to newsmen by the command’s PPRO, SP. Onome Onovwapoyeya explained that the restriction order will be effective from midnight of Friday to 06:00 pm of Saturday, 18th March, 2023.
The statement reads: “This step is taken to ensure public order management and the safety of electorates as well as to assist the security agencies with effective policing and to deter miscreants from disrupting the electoral process.’ she stated.
The CP further stated that in view of this, the command emplaced restriction on persons and vehicular movement across the state; unauthorised vehicular movement on roads and other means of transportation between midnight of Friday to 06:00 pm on Saturday.
However, added that the restriction order would not affect essential services among, Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) staff, Journalists, Ambulance, Firefighters, and approved election observers with due means of identification.
“Important personalities (VIPs) and politicians are equally barred from going to polling units with their security details (aides and escorts) on Election day.
“They are warned to desist from unnecessary movement from one polling unit to another on Election Day.
“Note, the unauthorized use of sirens, revolving lights, covered plate numbers and tinted glasses is still in force and violators will be sanctioned appropriately.” he said
He urged members of the public to contact the Commissioner of police deployed to various senatorial zones through: CP. Ndu Anene for Ebonyi Central, 07033565252, CP. Augustina Ogbodo for Ebonyi South – 08033068415 and DCP Thomas A. Nabhon fsi for Ebonyi North- 08038237109 or the joint operation numbers which are 09115246569, 09115807815 or 07064515001 to report any suspicious persons, activities or request security response.