Stay 300 Metres away from polling stations after Voting -Nigeria Police
The Nigeria Police has instructed voters to stay 300 meters away from all polling units after casting their votes.
According to VON, the commissioner of police, Kano state, north western Nigeria, Ibrahim Idris in a media briefing on Tuesday after an inter-agency security meeting said as stipulated by the electoral guidelines of nation, no one is allowed to loiter within 300 metres around the polling stations.”
He said no public figure would also be allowed to move around polling stations with security aides.
“Everyone is only to go to vote. If they desire, stay about 300 meters from polling stations and return back to their residences,” stressed the police commissioner
This directive comes as various political parties gave directives to their loyalists to protect their votes by maintaining vigil at polling stations even after casting their votes.
Idris equally warned voters to stay away from collation centres as only electoral officials, security agencies and party agents and other accredited persons were allowed to maintain presence at the centre.
“No voter will be allowed at any collation centres at local government and state levels. Only electoral officials, accredited election observers, journalists and party agents will be allowed to cover the election activities at collation centres.”
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kano state, Mukaila Abdulahi promised to ensure that post signs are erected at polling centres to show the areas of the 300 metres restriction.
Restrictions, weapons and sales
He explained that movements would be restricted during the election including inter state movement, local governments and wards, on election day, except for medical, fire fighting personnel, security agencies, electoral personnel, journalists and electoral observers.
“As from 12 midnight on Friday, movement from Kano state to any other state will banned until 12 midnight on Saturday. No state government security agencies such as Hisbah, KAROTA, Vigilante groups, boys scout will be allowed to dress in uniform or be engaged on any activity in uniform on election day. Road side hawking of fuel and gasoline would not be allowed a day before the election day and two days after,” Idris emphasized.
He urged people desist from carrying weapons in and around polling stations as well as mobility with party banners on the election day.
He stated that a joint operations centre for all security agencies would be activated a day before the presidential election to monitor the two elections.
“The centre would receive complaints and observations from members of the public and other relevant information .”
The centre could be accessed through Whatsapp and dedicated phone lines which are 08148888887, 08029292926 and 08099999110, in addition to the usual Police Control Room emergency line.
The general election in Nigeria is due to commence this Saturday the 28th March with the contest for the Presidential, Senatorial and Representative member seats, to be followed after two weeks by that of the governorship and state house of representatives.
