"The IGP notes that the restriction will assist the security agencies in effectively policing the electoral process, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from hijacking and disrupting the electoral process.”
The Nigeria Police Force haas announced the restriction of vehicular movement from 6am to 6pm on February 16, 2019, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, noted that the restriction is to ensure the smooth running of the electoral process.
Mba said: “As part of efforts in furtherance of the overall interest of public order, public wellbeing and safety and national security, as it relates to the general election billed to take place on Saturday, February 16th, 2019, the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement from 6am – 6pm on Saturday, 16th February, 2019.
"The IGP notes that the restriction will assist the security agencies in effectively policing the electoral process, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from hijacking and disrupting the electoral process.”
He stated that the Police would punish anyone who flouts the order.
Meanwhile, Adamu Muhammad, Inspector General of Police Police, urged Nigerians to come out en masse to vote, while advising them to shun electoral violence.
He said: “The citizens should troupe out en masse on the day of the election to exercise their franchise without any fear or apprehension, as the Police and other security agencies have already put in place adequate security measures to ensure a safe, secure and conducive environment for a peaceful and credible election.
“He therefore enjoins the citizens to steer clear of vote buying, vote selling, hate speeches, circulating fake news, snatching of ballot boxes and other act(s) capable of truncating the people’s will, noting that the Force will not hesitate to bring to bear the full weight of the law on anyone who engages in any crime during this period.”