By Jonathan Ugbal
The Cross River State Police Command says it will restrict the movement of people during the February 26th 2022 legislative by-elections.
Two constituencies, the Ogoja/Yala federal constituency and the Akpabuyo State constituency in northern and southern Cross River are to be affected.
And, the command in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo said movement will be restricted in the three Local Government Areas of the two constituencies affected.
The release comes amidst calls from civil society for police neutrality and follows allegations by the People’s Democratic Party of attempts by the State government to use the security architecture to intimidate the opposition.
And, this means that Akpabuyo, Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas which serve as major gateways into and outside Cross River will be almost inaccessible leaving commuters with no business in the elections stranded for about 24 hours.
The Police, however, said those whose polling units are involved will be allowed some form of movement even as it claimed that people with “doubtful agenda” have been moving in to the areas that elections are to be conducted.
Read the full statement below…
PRESS RELEASE:
RESTRICTION OF VEHICULAR MOVEMENT ON ELECTION DAY, OGOJA/YALA FEDERAL AND AKPABUYO STATE CONSTITUNCIES BYE-ELECTION:
The Cross River State Police Command in our determination to maintain law and order, during the upcoming Ogoja/Yala Federal and Akpabuyo State Constituencies bye-elections on Saturday 26th February, 2022, wishes to inform the general public that, there will be restriction of vehicular and other forms of movements.
2. It is observe sadly that people of doubtful agenda are moving to the areas of the bye-election for reasons unknown. In view of our desire for free, fair, and credible election, only voters whose polling units are involved will be allowed movement during the election.
3. The Command on behalf of all other security agencies reassures law abiding citizens of their security during the election. The command also finds it necessary to warn those who are planning to ferment trouble or been brought to form any unwholesome acts will face full consequences.
4. The behavioral attitude from Electoral Act will not be condoled as additional measures are in place to curtail and deal with any undue act. All the security services will function as one system in regards to guarantee the assurances in securing lives and property.
5. Members of the public are hereby enjoined, to go about their lawful businesses and cooperate with the Police, throughout the period of the election, please.