Election: Enugu CP orders limitation of activity, non escort of VIPs, others

Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Ahmed Ammani, has ordered the enforcement of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Baba, on the restriction of vehicular and other unauthorized movements before and during the elections.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Thursday in Enugu that the commissioner also directed the ban on the use of siren, revolving lights and covering of number plates by unauthorized persons.

Ndukwe said that the commissioner also ordered that no security personnel should escort their VIP principals to voting centres and the barring of state-owned, local and private security outfits from the Election Security Management.

“In view of the directives, vehicular movements have been restricted from 12 midnight to 6p.m. on election day, with the exemption of only those performing essential duties, including INEC officials, election observers, medical service providers, media practitioners, ambulance on emergency services, fire fighter etc.

“This is in addition to all and sundry been reminded that the ban on the unauthorized use of siren, revolving lights, removal and/or covering of number plates and unpermitted use of tinted glasses is still in force.

“Similarly, the police and other security personnel have been warned to desist from escorting VIPs and politicians to polling centres, as only those duly deployed for the Election Duty are to be sighted in and around the centres.

“Additionally, the Neighborhood Watch Group, Forest Guards, local and privately-owned security outfits in the State have been barred from participating in the Election Security Management,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner has directed police operatives to ensure due enforcement of the directives in most professional and acceptable manner.

The police spokesman said that the commissioner urged residents to voluntarily comply with the restrictions, which are aimed at ensuring that the elections are conducted under an atmosphere of peace, security and safety of the citizenry.

He said: “The CP reiterates the unwavering commitment of the police and other security Agencies to emplace adequate security for the peaceful conduct of the Elections, stating that necessary machinery have been set in motion in this regard.

“He warned that hoodlums operating under any guise and hell-bent on disrupting the Elections will not be spared.

“To this end, the Commissioner enjoins residents, particularly the electorate, to go out en-masse to exercise their franchise without fear and avoid acting in ways that could lead to the violation of the provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2022, during the Elections”.

Ndukwe said that the Commissioner urged residents to report security situations to the Joint Election Security Situation Room (JESSR) on: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08098880172 or 08086671202 (including WhatsApp messages). E-mail: [email protected] and Police PRO: 08099854883.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Feb. 25 for Presidential and National Assembly elections as well as March 11 for the Governorship and State Assembly elections. (NAN)