Military, police express readiness for elections as FG shuts borders

As the country goes to the polls in less than 24hours, the Federal government has ordered the closure of all land borders in the country with effect from 12 p.m today.

The army and the police have also expressed readiness essential for the election.

While announcing the notice of the closure of the borders in a statement on Thursday, the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, said the restrictions of movement in and out of the country would ensure a well organised electoral process.

He also directed Nigerians to take note of the new order which would last till Sunday.

Similarly, the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has banned vehicular movement from 6am to 6pm on Saturday.

A statement by the force spokesman, Frank Mba announcing the order read, “In furtherance of the overall interest of public order, public well-being and safety and national security as it relates to the general elections billed to take place on Saturday, February 16, 2019, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement from 6am to 6pm on Saturday.”

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Meanwhile, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, has vowed to punish defaulters of the restriction orders.

Olonisakin while speaking during a press conference at the Defence Headquarters on Thursday said all violators of the orders would be arrested and detained no matter the social status.

He advised Nigerians to remain unintimidated as they go out to vote while the soldiers should keep an unbiased relationship across boards in the discharge of their responsibilities during the elections.

Olonisakin said, “Law enforcement agencies will remain apolitical. Besides, a Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the 2019 General Elections has been issued to the services and security personnel that will be deployed in election security duties.

“All other personnel who are not so deployed in election security duties have been directed to steer clear of the elections apart from exercising their rights to vote for candidates of their choice.

“I appeal to all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the restrictions on movement during the period of the elections. Violators of the restriction on movement, no matter how highly placed, will be arrested and detained.

“However, this restriction does not apply to those on election security duties, local and international observers and emergency and security services personnel on authorised duties only.”

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