THE federal government has ordered the closure of all land borders from 12 pm on Friday to noon on Sunday, as well as restriction of vehicular movement across the country as part of efforts at ensuring a hitch-free presidential election on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
The order was contained in a statement by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau
“Further to the presidential election taking place on February 16, 2019, the Honourable Minister of Interior has directed the closure of all Nigerian land borders with effect from 12.00 noon of Friday, February 15 to 12.00 noon of Sunday, February 17, 2019,” part of the statement read.
According to the minister, the land borders were closed to restrict movement across the borders during the election days. The federal government urged the public to take note and ensure compliance to the orders.
In the similar vein, the Nigeria Police Force said that vehicular movement would be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, the presidential election day.
The police spokesperson, Frank Mba, conveyed this in a statement in Abuja where he explained that the ban on movement would assist the security agencies to do their jobs properly and also prevent hoodlums from disrupting the electoral proves.
“As part of efforts 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, Ag. IGP Muhammed Adamu, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 16th February 2019,” Nigeria police said.
The police force said adequate security arrangements have been made for the 2019 general elections. The force thereby urged members of the public to go en-masse to exercise their franchise without fear.
The 2019 general election is scheduled for two Saturdays. The first one which is the presidential and national assembly elections holds on February 16 while the second, the governorship and state house of assembly elections, holds on March 2.