In
furtherance of strategies designed to prevent electoral fraud and violence and
thus ensure a smooth and orderly conduct of the Anambra State gubernatorial
election slated for Saturday, 16th November, 2013, the Nigeria
Police High Command has ordered a restriction of movement within the boundaries
of Anambra State with effect from 6.00pm on Friday, 15th November,
2013 to 6.00am on Sunday, 17th November, 2013. Consequently, all
states contiguous to Anambra State - the states of Delta, Enugu, Imo, Abia etc
will be heavily policed. However, those on essential duties are not affected by
this order. Meanwhile, the Force has sternly warned all security details to
desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and
collation centres during the election. It reiterates that only Police personnel
specifically assigned for election duties must be seen within and around the
election designated places.
The Force High Command notes that the
restriction order is informed by the exigencies of overriding security
considerations. Noting that the Force is not ignorant of the citizens’ right to
freedom of movement, as enshrined in the constitution, it however insists that
this is a preemptive measure aimed at forestalling elaborate plans by faceless
groups to undermine the electoral process as gathered through intelligence
reports.
The apex Police Authority therefore,
while empathizing with the citizenry over the inconveniences the order may
cause, implores them to see this order as very necessary in the present
circumstance and geared towards the quest for a seamless, credible and
successful gubernatorial election.
The Force also suggests that travellers
should take advantage of alternate routes to their destinations where necessary
within the days – Friday 15th – Sunday 17th November, 2013, that
this order is in Force.
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