The Anambra State Police Command has announced a total restriction on vehicular movement from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday in areas where bye-elections will be held. The restriction, the command said, is part of measures to ensure a safe and violence-free electoral process. The affected elections include the Anambra South Senatorial bye-election, covering nine local government areas, and the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency bye-election for the House of Assembly.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the directive was in line with instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, with AIG Godwin Eze deployed as the Supervisory Officer for the exercise. Ikenga disclosed that the restriction applies to Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North, Orumba South, Ekwusigo, Aguata, and Ihiala Local Government Areas for the senatorial election, as well as Onitsha North Constituency 1 and Awka South Local Government, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters is situated.
According to the statement, the restriction aims to deter criminal activities, curb electoral violence, and safeguard voters, electoral officials, and security personnel. “Only duly accredited security operatives will be permitted to participate in election duties,” the police stressed, warning that vigilante operatives, hunters, and other quasi-security groups such as Agunaechemba are strictly prohibited from any form of involvement during the election period.
The police command assured residents of adequate security arrangements for the exercise, urging them to cooperate with security personnel and remain law-abiding throughout the process. It further provided dedicated phone lines for complaints or emergencies, including contacts for the AIG, the Command’s Control Room, and the Police Public Relations Officer.
AIG Eze, in his address, reaffirmed the commitment of the security agencies to protecting the integrity of the polls. He emphasised that the proactive measures were necessary to guarantee a hitch-free election, protect lives and property, and uphold the credibility of the electoral process.
