The Ondo State Police Command has announced a restriction on vehicular movement across the Ondo South Senatorial District ahead of Saturday’s by-election, assuring residents of adequate security arrangements to guarantee a peaceful and credible exercise.
The command said the restriction would be in force from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 20 as part of measures aimed at ensuring public safety and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, said security personnel had been strategically deployed to polling units, collation centres, electoral offices and other critical locations within the district.
According to the statement, movement of vehicles and transportation on waterways within the affected areas will be prohibited during the election period, except for individuals and organisations officially authorised to participate in election-related duties.
Those exempted from the restriction include officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, accredited election observers, journalists, emergency responders and other persons permitted by law to carry out election assignments.
The police said security operatives would maintain surveillance on both land and waterways to prevent unauthorised movements capable of disrupting the electoral process.
The command warned that any violation of the movement restriction or actions capable of undermining the election would attract sanctions.
It also cautioned political actors, supporters and members of the public against engaging in violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying, thuggery and other unlawful activities that could threaten the conduct of the poll.
The police stated that anyone found contravening electoral laws or disturbing public peace would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Ohagwu further assured residents that intelligence gathering, visibility policing, strategic patrols and joint operations with other security agencies had been intensified to provide a secure environment before, during and after the election.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and comply with all lawful directives to ensure a successful electoral exercise.
The commissioner also expressed appreciation to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for supporting security initiatives in the state, while commending the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for providing strategic leadership towards securing electoral processes nationwide.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election is conducted in a peaceful, safe and transparent atmosphere.
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