In a late evening move on Friday, the Abuja Police Command has restored the restriction of movement to allow for the council polls on Saturday. It had rpreviously restricted and unrestricted movement.
A statement from the command explains why: “Based on credible intelligence at the disposal of the FCT Police Command and in the best security interest of the territory, the FCT Police Command has deemed it fit to restore the earlier pronounced restrictions of movements. The water-tight security arrangement will enable eligible voters exercise their civic responsibility.
“Consequently, the restrictions commences from 8 a.m – 3 p.m of 12th February 2022 , exempting those on essential services, participants and key players in the already scheduled WAEC examinations .
“The Commissioner of Police FCT Police Command CP Babaji Sunday psc, while assuring the members of the public of the Command’s commitment towards ensuring a safe environment before, during and after the election, urges residents to exercise their voting rights without the fear of molestation or harassment of any kind, from any quarters. The CP also calls on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or abnormal occurrence to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883.”
The statement by the FCT Police Commissioner, Babaji Sunday, was signed for him by DSP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command
In an earlier statement on Friday, the Police relaxed the restriction of movement it announced for the election, advising members of the public to go about their normal legitimate business without the fear of harassment or molestation of any kind from any quarters.
CP Babaji Sunday had assured the public of the provision of a water tight security before, during and after the election, urging members of the public to come out in their numbers to vote for candidates of their choice.