The Bauchi State Police Command has banned the presence of security escorts and orderlies from accompanying anyone to the polling unit. It also warned quasi-security outfits, vigilance groups and hunter’s associations among others to stay away from polling units during the election.
The police banned politicians from moving from one polling unit to the other and from using sirens during the election, adding that there would be restrictions on movement of people except those on essential duties during the exercise.
The command also warned that it will arrest anyone found buying or selling their votes during the presidential and National Assembly election on Saturday.
These warnings were given in a statement on Thursday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil. He warned that any violation would not be condoned.
Wakil, a superintendent of police, assured citizens that the command has put in place adequate security measures and would provide a level playing ground for all political parties for the peaceful conduct of the general election across the 20 local government areas, covering 212 wards, with a total of 4,074 polling units spread over the state.
“Accordingly, in synergy with other sister security agencies, the command has emplaced adequate security measures to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of the 2023 general election is aimed at ensuring public order management, the safety of electorates as well as assisting the security agencies on effective policing, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process in the State.
“In line with the Electoral Act 2022, the Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command CP Aminu Alhassan, has ordered the following measures to be put in place to ensure a peaceful election in the State.
“It is only the statutory security agencies recognized by law that will be allowed to provide security for the election, therefore all quasi-outfits owned by the state government such as; Vigilante Groups, Hunters, Danga Security, Ansaru Security, Neighbourhood watch, and others are hereby barred from participating in the conduct of the general election under the Electoral Act 2022. Anyone found floating the electoral laws or going about with arms is liable to be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly.
“There will be total restrictions on unauthorised vehicular movement on election day on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation between midnight of Friday 24th February 2023 to 6:00 pm Saturday 25th February 2023, on the election day except those on essential services, such as INEC staff, ambulance, firefighter recognized election observers, etc. who must carry their valid identification card for identification for free passage.
“Important personalities and politicians are barred from going to any polling unit with their security details or orderlies. They are also warned to desist from moving from one polling unit to another on election day, unauthorised use of sirens, revolving light, covered plate numbers, and tinted glasses is still in force and violators will be sanctioned appropriately.
“Similarly, the CP sternly warns all security aides and escorts to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election as anyone found flouting this directive will be severely sanctioned. He emphasised that only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres,” he warned.
While empathising with well-meaning citizens on the inconveniences the orders may cause them, Wakil urged all active electorates to be law-abiding and turn out to exercise their franchise without any fear and/or intimidation from any person.
He, however, warned that the command would deal decisively with any individual(s) or group(s) that might want to test our common resolve and might to ensure a peaceful election.
He added, “The CP, therefore, enjoins all citizens to shun vote buying, vote selling, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, and other criminal act(s) as the Force and other security agencies will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all violators of extant laws, most especially the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), are brought to book.
“Finally, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aminu Alhassan, urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, and guardians to prevail on their wards and subjects not to allow themselves to be used as cannon-fodders in disturbance of public peace before, during, and after the election.
“The Command unequivocally warns all criminal elements in the state and their allies who may be nursing an agenda that is inimical to the safety and security of the state, to desist from such act as the Police and other sister security agencies in the state will not relent in mobilising all resources at their disposal to confront and neutralise the violators in line with the extant laws.
“The Command, therefore, urges members of the public to contact the Nigeria Police Force, the joint Election Monitoring group and Operations Control Room domiciled at State Headquarters, Yandoka Road Bauchi via the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ available on Android and IOS, or via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631, 08151849417 or 09053872273 to report suspicious persons, activities or request security responses.”
