Kogi Governorship Election Latest: Police Restricts Movements In Kogi

Travellers in and across Kogi State have been barred from passing through the state Friday while the governorship election is on. 

The state Commissioner of Police and Chairman, Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, Mr. John Amanana Abrakasanga, who made this known during a stake- holders’ meeting held at the state INEC office, said movement will be restricted between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. while the election lasts.

The police boss reiterated that security operatives in the state are prepared to ensure that the election is hitch free. According to him, movement of persons will be restricted to the polling arena and their homes while politicians are not permitted to go about with police order lays.

He assured that an unspecified large number of police and other security personnel will be deployed for the election. Abrakasanga emphasised that whoever is found breaching security will be made to face the wrath of the law, stressing that law abiding citizens should go out to cast their votes and that no one will be intimidated.

Meanwhile, ahead of the exercise, Chairman of INEC, Professor Mohammed Attahiru Jega, and his lieutenants have arrived Lokoja, the state capital, to facilitate a hitch free exercise. The INEC Chairman who participated in stake holders’ forum organised by the INEC headquarter in Kogi State, assured the people that the commission was ready for the election.

Jega, while addressing newsmen, maintained that the commission would not be partial and would ensure a level playing ground for all parties. He also noted that the security agencies are also ready to ensure that the governorship election is conducted without hitch. Though not giving the actual figure of policemen to be deployed for the election, Jega revealed that at least two policemen and other security agents are to be attached to each polling unit, adding that the army will also be on ground to forestall any security breach.

According to him, measures are already in place to adequately monitor flash points. He added that the body will avoid the use of neutral coalition centres to avoid complains. He enjoined the electorates to come out in their numbers to cast their votes without fear of intimidation or molestation, promising that adequate security will be provided.