Ondo Poll: IG orders vehicular movement restriction, bans VIP escorts at polling units

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a ban on all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other modes of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, 16th November.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG clarified that essential services, including ambulances, media personnel, fire services, and accredited media, would be exempt from the restriction.

Additionally, the IG prohibited security aides and VIP escorts from accompanying their principals to polling stations and collation centres to maintain order and prevent disruptions.

Adejobi also announced that unauthorised vehicles would be prohibited from using sirens on election day.

He said, “As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, except for those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.”

“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling stations and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorised vehicles will be enforced.”

He assured that special consideration would be given to elderly individuals and people with disabilities, among others, on election day.

Adejobi said, “Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with mobility challenges to ensure polling stations remain accessible.”

Adejobi further stated that DIG Sylvester Alabi would coordinate the security strategies for the election, with support from AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu.

He said, “In preparation for the elections, the IGP has deployed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the elections, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period, while AIG Bennett Igweh, mni, and CP Tunji Disu are deployed as AIG and CP Elections, respectively.”

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Adejobi urged citizens to report all suspicious activities that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment as the state gears up for the elections.

“The police will also work with the military and other federal security agencies, as collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully,” he added.