This action, according to the police, was to forestall breakdown of law and order, and unwarranted loss of innocent lives as witnessed during the June 21 governorship election.
The Ekiti State Police Command has placed embargo on street processions, as the preparations for Saturday’s presidential election gathers momentum.
This action, according to the police, was to forestall breakdown of law and order, and unwarranted loss of innocent lives as witnessed during the June 21 governorship election.
In a statement in Ado Ekiti on Monday by its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Albert Adeyemi, the command said the step was taken in view of the peculiarity of the State, particularly perceived high level of political intolerance among the political class.
Adeyemi said: “Intelligence at the disposal of the command indicates that some political parties intend to stage street processions in large numbers as part of their campaign strategies.
“Considering the peculiarity of the political situation in Ekiti State, coupled with the level of political intolerance, such street processions, if allowed to happen, will inevitably cause conflict, chaos and breakdown of law and order with possible disastrous consequences.
“In order to forestall breakdown of law and order, the command once again appeal to all political stakeholders to obtain permit for any campaign, which must be restricted to a particular location in order for the police to ensure adequate protection at such avenues,” he concluded.