Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Police in Ebonyi State have announced the restrictions of vehicular movement from 12 midnight of Friday 2nd February 2024 to 6pm on Saturday 3rd February.
The restriction is in five local governments of Ebonyi South Senatorial zone where the by-election is being held on Saturday.
The local government areas are: Ivo, Ohaozara, Onicha, Afikpo and Edda local government areas.
Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Mr Ukandu said security forces will continue to monitor and enforce security measures till the election process is over.
The Police also appealed to the general public to take note of the existing order in the state to avoid any inconveniences they might encounter.
The spokesperson however said persons providing essential services such as INEC staff, accredited media and election observers, firefighters, ambulances etc are exempted from this restriction but should provide a valid means of identification.
“This is to ensure public order management and the safety of the electorate as well as assist security agencies to effectively police and deter miscreants from disrupting the electoral process.
“Members of the public are warned to strictly adhere to this restriction order, as any person or group of persons found fomenting trouble or violating this order will be dealt with following extant provisions of the law.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Augustina Ogbodo further assures residents of the state that the Nigeria Police Force has massively deployed human and technical resources and will collaborate with sister security agencies to ensure a safe and secure space for citizens who will be exercising their franchise on election day,” he said.
The seat became vacant after President Bola Tinubu appointed Senator David Umahi, who occupied the position, as a minister.
Eight political parties fielded candidates for the election.
They are: All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP) and Action Peoples Party (APP).
