- As police restrict movement in 2 LGAs
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on residents of Rivers State to fully participate in the bye-election scheduled for Saturday, February 21.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct elections across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies.
Fubara, in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary Onwuka Nzeshi, particularly urged eligible voters in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas to actively take part in the poll.
He described the election as a family affair and called on the people to come out en masse to support the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contesting the two vacant seats in the State House of Assembly.
The governor also charged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the exercise.
“Everybody should be law-abiding and avoid doing anything that will disturb the peace during the exercise. It is actually a family election and there is no need for rancour and acrimony,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police in Rivers State have announced movement restrictions for today’s bye-elections for Ahoada East and Khana State House of Assembly constituencies.
The Police said in a statement that the restriction is part of measures put in place to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election process across the affected local government areas.
According to the statement, movement within and around Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas will be restricted from 12:00 noon to 6:00pm on Saturday, the day of the election.
The Police also disclosed that there will be a massive deployment of security personnel across the two LGAs to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Officers are expected to be stationed at strategic locations, polling units, and major roads to deter violence, electoral malpractice, and other criminal activities before, during, and after the exercise.
Residents have been urged to comply strictly with the movement restriction and avoid unnecessary gatherings, particularly around polling units.
The Police further advised residents if the State to refrain from carrying weapons or suspicious items and to promptly report any activity capable of disrupting the electoral process.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other laws guiding elections.
He warned that anyone found violating the restriction order or engaging in acts capable of disturbing the peace will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Police chief also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as instruments of violence or disorder during the election.
Authorities say security agencies remain committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment that will allow eligible voters to exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.