The Commissioner of Police for Abia State Command, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala, has reiterated the Inspector General of Police’s order regarding movements and urged all residents of Abia to comply strictly. In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Geoffrey Ogbonna, the command outlined several key directives. These include a restriction on vehicular movements, a ban on security escorts for VIPs at polling stations, the non-participation of state security outfits in election security management, and a prohibition on the unauthorized use of sirens, covered number plates, and tinted glasses.
The command clarified that only individuals on essential duties, such as officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and fire-fighters, are exempt from the vehicular movement restrictions. Additionally, all security escorts and aides assigned to VIPs and politicians have been sternly warned against accompanying their principals to polling units and collation centers. This order is part of the measures implemented to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of elections. The command emphasized that these measures aim to maintain public order, ensure the safety of voters, and assist security agencies in effective policing, thereby preventing disruptions by hoodlums and criminal elements.
CP Bala also warned that anyone found violating these directives will face severe sanctions. He stressed that only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties should be present around designated polling booths and centers. While acknowledging the potential inconveniences caused by these restrictions, the Commissioner urged all eligible voters to remain law-abiding and to turn out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote. He advised citizens to reject vote buying, vote selling, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, ballot box snatching, and other criminal activities, asserting that the police and other security agencies will take decisive action against violators of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).
For emergency situations, the Commissioner encouraged the public to contact the Command Joint Operations Situation Room at 08035415405 or 08079210004. Additionally, individuals can reach the Joint Election Monitoring and Operations Room at the Force Headquarters in Abuja through the ‘NPF Rescue Me App,’ available on both Android and iOS, or via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line at 08031230631.
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