By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

As the stage gets set for the Saturday, April 15, 2023 supplementary election in Ogbaru for the Ogbaru Federal constituency House of Representatives election, the police have restricted movements in the affected states.

Anambra State is amongst the twenty three states in Nigeria where supplementary elections will be held on Saturday.

Other states include, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Adamawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Enugu, Yobe and Katsina.

A statement in that respect by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, reads:

“Sequel to the forthcoming Supplementary Elections scheduled to hold on Saturday 15th of April, 2023, in twenty-three states of the Federation covering National Assembly, gubernatorial, and State Houses of Assembly elections in areas where they were not concluded during the previous General Elections, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 5 pm in all affected states with the exception of those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Accredited Media and Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc

“Similarly, the IGP reiterates the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election. State-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.

“The affected states comprise Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Yobe, Katsina, and Enugu states.”

The IG further urged all citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections, assuring that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered.

He also called on the general public to contact the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections), the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ on Android and ios, and via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631, to request emergency security response. Similarly, other election situation room numbers which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned State Police Commands for necessary emergency contact.