The Rivers State Police Command has announced that there will be a temporary restriction on movement across the state on Saturday, August 30, to ensure peace and order during the local government elections scheduled to hold that day.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said that both human and vehicular movement will be restricted from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 p.m. on election day.
The move, according to the police, is part of wider security arrangements to maintain law and order throughout the state before, during, and after the polls.
Iringe-Koko noted that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have made comprehensive plans to ensure a smooth, safe, and credible election across the 23 local government areas in the state.
She explained that security personnel will be strategically deployed across land routes and waterways to prevent any form of violence or voter intimidation.
“All necessary security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, and other stakeholders involved in the election,” the statement read.
The police also called on the people of Rivers State to cooperate fully with security agents and adhere strictly to the movement restriction order to avoid confrontation or arrest.
The command emphasized that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or engage in unlawful gathering, ballot box snatching, or voter suppression will not be tolerated.
“Security personnel have been directed to act swiftly and decisively against anyone or group attempting to undermine the peace of the election,” Iringe-Koko warned.
She added that residents should report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or security post for prompt action.
The police further assured that it remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections across all parts of the state.
The local government election in Rivers State is seen as a significant political event, especially as it will determine the leadership of the 23 local government councils, which play key roles in grassroots development.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had earlier confirmed that all preparations have been concluded for the smooth conduct of the polls.
According to RSIEC, sensitive and non-sensitive election materials have already been distributed to the various local government areas, and all necessary logistics have been arranged for the deployment of personnel and materials.
Eligible voters in the state are expected to turn out in their numbers to elect council chairmen and councillors for the next three-year term.
Security agencies and electoral bodies have urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence and inflammatory statements, and to embrace peace throughout the electoral process.
Civil society organisations and election observers have also called for transparency and neutrality from all stakeholders, especially security agents and electoral officers.
Meanwhile, some residents in parts of Port Harcourt and nearby areas have expressed concern about possible violence on election day, urging the police to be firm and neutral in maintaining peace.
