The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a restriction on vehicular movement across the state on Saturday, June 20, during the governorship election.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, saying the restriction would take effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and would cover both intra-state and inter-state roads within Ekiti.
Abutu said the measure was part of comprehensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly and violence-free election. He noted that the restriction would apply to all forms of motorised transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.
According to him, students and candidates participating in national structured examinations and assessments are exempted from the restriction and are allowed to proceed to their examination centres. He also advised travellers intending to pass through Ekiti State on election day to make alternative arrangements and use other routes.
The police spokesman stated that accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ad hoc staff, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and other essential service providers would be permitted to move during the restriction period, provided they carry valid identification and clearance tags.
He added that the movement of VIPs with armed escorts to polling units and collation centres would not be allowed, while vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits and volunteer groups were prohibited from providing security services during the election.
Abutu further advised construction companies undertaking road projects in the state to suspend active construction work for the duration of the election, citing safety concerns.
He said only personnel of recognised security agencies and organisations under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would be authorised to provide security at polling units, collation centres and other election facilities.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, urged registered voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, assuring residents of adequate security before, during and after the poll.
He also called on members of the public to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency or through the police emergency line, 08062335577.
