Ekiti Election: Police IG restricts movement in and out of Ekiti state

In a bid to ensure maximum security, ensure proper coordination of security operations and organise a hitch-free election, devoid of electoral fraud in Ekiti State, Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has restricted movement in Ekiti state.

Abubakar has also deployed an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Bala M Nasarawa and five Commissioners of Police to supervise security arrangements.

CP Ikechukwu Aduba will function as CP in charge of Ekiti State for the period of the election. The other Commissioners of Police are Danladi Y. Mshelbwala (Ekiti-North), Mohammed Ibrahim (Ekiti-Central) and Augustine Eubakhabokum (Ekiti-South).

Hosea Karma (CP in charge of PMF) will be charged with the responsibility of supervising the operations of the Police Mobile Force and other special Strike Forces.

For the duration, Abubakar has also placed an order on movements in and out of Ekiti state with effect from 6:00 p.m. on Thursday 19 June until the elections are over.

On Saturday 21 June 2014, day of the election, movement will be restricted within the state between 6:00 a.m. to 8:00n p.m.

Consequently, the states of Kwara, Kogi, Ondo and Osun which are contiguous to Ekiti state will have increased Police presence with all entry and exit points in and out of Ekiti.

However, persons on essential duties such as Ambulance service providers, INEC officials, on-duty security men, accredited election monitors/observers, accredited journalists, etc are not affected by this order.

The restriction order is informed by the exigencies of overriding security considerations. Noting that the Force is not ignorant of the citizen’s right to freedom of movement, as enshrined in the constitution, it however reiterates that the order is informed by the need to forestall plans by criminal elements to undermine the electoral process as gathered through intelligence reports.

While empathizing with the citizenry over the inconveniences the order may cause, the IGP implores them to see this restriction as a necessary sacrifice in the present circumstance geared towards the quest for a seamless, credible and successful gubernatorial election.

He also appeals to travelers to avail themselves of the use of alternate routes to their various destinations where necessary within the stipulated days.

Security details have being warned to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election.

The Police force emphasized that only security personnel specially assigned for election duties must be seen within and around the election designated places.