The Nigeria Police Force said on Friday that it had deployed 1,500 personnel for Saturday’s (today) bye-election for Port Harcourt Constituency 3 State House of Assembly.
State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zaki Ahmed, who made this disclosure to newsmen in Port Harcourt, also assured that the police would ensure a violence-free exercise.
Recall that the seat became vacant when the immediate past occupier, Victor Ihunwo, resigned, contested and won the June 16, 2018 local government election in the state.
Ihunwo had since been sworn in as the Mayor of Port Harcourt.
The police boss urged residents to cooperate with the security personnel so as to ensure a hitch-free election within the constituency.
“As a command, we have made adequate arrangement for the exercise to ensure that the bye-election is free, fair, credible and devoid of violence.
“Consequently, the command, with the support of other security agencies superintending the election, has agreed that there will be restriction of movement of persons, vehicles on land and water within the areas concerned between 6am and 6pm.
“The restriction of movement is only limited to Miles 1, 2, 3 and 4 with the following description; Abonnema Wharf, Karina Street, Omoku, UST, Ship flyover, Eagle Island and Mile 1 Market,” he said.
He pointed out that entry and exit points to the affected areas would be closed throughout the duration of the bye-election.
Ahmed, however, warned politicians and well placed people in the state not to go to the polling centres with security details.
He appealed to politicians to adhere to the dictates of the Electoral Act by restricting their movements within their voting centres.
Ahmed said, “The police and other security agencies will be monitoring the exercise to ensure that there is due compliance to this directive. Therefore, any person or group of persons in default will be arrested and prosecuted.”
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