Ahead of the governorship election in Anambra on Saturday,  the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered vehicular restriction in the state with effect from 11:59pm on Friday to 11:59pm on Saturday.

This, he said, was part of measures aimed at protecting the sanctity of the electoral process in the state.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba,  titled, ‘Anambra elections: IGP orders restriction of vehicular movement.’

It said, “As part of measures aimed at protecting the sanctity of the electoral process in the November 6, 2021, Anambra State gubernatorial elections, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in and out of Anambra State from 11:59pm on Friday, November 5 to 11:59pm on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

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“The IGP noted that the restriction order has become necessary following pointers from the Election Security Threats Assessments conducted by the force which indicate a high likelihood of infiltration by criminally-minded individuals to Anambra State, before, during and after the polls.”

The IGP further noted that the measure would also give security forces a firm grip of the state to checkmate the movement of political thugs and touts, and prevent the free flow, circulation and use of illicit arms and hard drugs throughout the period and beyond.

He  enjoined electoral officials, accredited observers and journalists, and other authorised officials to go about their lawful duties during the poll, “provided they observe all relevant rules guiding their deployment including the visible display of their accreditation tags.”

He said police officers and other security personnel deployed for the election would be appropriately supervised to ensure they carry out their responsibilities in the most humane, firm and professional manner, especially to emergency service providers such as firefighters and ambulance services.

Baba further encouraged the  citizens,  particularly motorists and travellers, who may want to use the routes within Anambra State during the period of the restrictions to seek alternative routes “and see the inconveniences as part of sacrifices toward the collective sustenance of our democracy.”

“He called on citizens in the state to go out en-masse on the election day and exercise their franchise without any fear or apprehension as the force and other security agencies are already on ground to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the elections,” the statement added.