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The Rivers State Police Command has announced a restriction on movement in seven local government areas ahead of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election scheduled for Saturday.
The affected local government areas are Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the command said the restriction would take effect from 12:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, and remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.
The police said the measure was part of security arrangements aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, free, fair and credible electoral process.
According to the statement, the restriction covers the movement of persons, vehicles and motorcycles within the affected local government areas.
The command explained that the directive was designed to enhance public safety, protect electoral officials and materials, prevent electoral malpractices and create a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their civic rights without intimidation or harassment.
However, the restriction does not apply to accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel on election duty, ambulance and emergency service providers, fire service personnel and other duly authorised essential service providers.
The police warned that anyone found violating the restriction order or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process would be arrested and prosecuted.
It also cautioned against electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, thuggery and other unlawful activities during the election.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, called on political parties, candidates, supporters and residents of the affected local government areas to remain peaceful, law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies.
He urged voters, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process, stressing that the success of the election depends on citizens\' commitment to peace and the rule of law.
Adepoju assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place in collaboration with other security and relevant agencies to protect lives and property, safeguard electoral materials and guarantee a peaceful and credible election.
The command also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
